Associate Circuit Judge

2008

Judge Beach was appointed to the 21st Judicial Circuit Bench as an associate circuit judge in 2005. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in social science and received his juris doctorate degree from the New England School of Law.

Before his appointment to the circuit bench, Judge Beach spent many years in private practice. Judge Beach is a past president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, past president of the St. Louis County Bar Association, a lecturer on family law Issues for The Missouri Bar, and a member of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Court Judges. Judge Beach serves on the board of The Children’s Home Society of Missouri, the Program Committee of Kids in the Middle, and is a member of Bonhomme Presbyterian Church. Judge Beach is a retired lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps.

The attorneys who responded to the survey questions rated Judge Beach highly in all areas, with slightly higher marks in the areas of treating all people equally regardless of background, preparedness for hearings and trials, maintaining proper order and decorum in the courtroom, legal competency, and understanding the rules of procedure and evidence.

Judge Beach received slightly lower marks in the areas of weighing of evidence before making a decision and giving latitude to parties to present arguments.

Since Judge Beach has served in family court, no juror surveys were available for review.

The committee also reviewed written opinions of Judge Beach. His opinions, particularly those in financially complicated dissolutions and family court matters, are clearly-written and reflect a high level of legal competency.