Mary Bruntrager Schroeder 21st Judicial Circuit (St. Louis County)

Recommendations

The 21st Judicial Circuit Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee recommends that Judge Mary Bruntrager Schroeder BE RETAINED.

Position

Associate Circuit Judge

Evaluation Year

2008

Background

Judge Schroeder was appointed to the associate circuit court bench on May 11, 1999. Previously she was a circuit attorney for the City of St. Louis from 1980 until 1982. She engaged in private practice from 1983 until 1999. Judge Schroeder graduated with a B.A. in history from St. Louis University and her juris doctorate from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.

Judge Schroeder is a member of The Missouri Bar, The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, St. Louis County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association, and a member of the Association of Associate Circuit and Probate Judges. Judge Schroeder, in addition to her duties as an associate circuit court judge, is involved with the St. Louis County Truancy Court Program in the Valley Park School District.

Judge Schroeder is married with two children, is very active in her parish, and is a member of the St. Gerard Adult Choir and UMSL Community Chorus.

Discussion

Judge Ross received above average scores in all areas by attorneys who responded to the survey questions. Attorneys were asked to rank the judges on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest). In 13 of the 16 criteria surveyed, Judge Ross scored 4.50 or above. Judge Ross ranked highest in the areas of demonstrating appropriate demeanor on the bench, and maintaining and requiring proper order and decorum in the courtroom.

Jury surveys that were returned mirrored the attorney surveys.

The committee also reviewed a written opinion of Judge Ross which was clear, concise, well written, and consistent with the applicable law cited therein.

It is hard to describe any of his scores as weaknesses; however, his lowest score was in the area of not being affected by partisan considerations. However, this score was still 4.41 out of 5.