--- title: "Laura Denvir Stith | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-denvir-stith-4947" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-09" --- # Laura Denvir Stith Supreme Court of Missouri · Judge ## Profile - Court: Supreme Court of Missouri - State: Missouri - Role: Judge - Service status: former - Last verified: 2026-08-22 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Judge, Supreme Court of Missouri, 2001-present - Retired judge of the Missouri Supreme Court, serving from 2001 to 2021, and later as Missouri’s Chief Justice from 2007 to 2009 - The longest-serving judge on the court and the second woman to serve as Missouri’s Chief Justice, holding that role from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2009 - Also a law clerk to Chief Justice Robert E. Seiler - Chief Justice reforms: Led adoption of new rules under the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan to improve judicial transparency - She is the sister of Yale law professor Kate Stith and attorney Rebecca Stith ### Education - Georgetown University Law Center in — J.D. (1978) - Tufts University — B.A. ### Additional information - Retired on March 8, 2021, but remains a senior judge in Missouri, available for case assignments and special projects - Joined the Missouri Supreme Court in 2001 by Governor Bob Holden, retaining the seat in 2002 and 2014. - Practitioner, 2000-2000 - Before joining the Supreme Court, she served on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District (1994–2000) and practiced law in Kansas City from 1979 to 1994. - Born October 30, 1953. - Date of birth: 1953-10-30 - National Merit Scholar and a graduate of John Burroughs School in St. Louis - Gender and justice leadership: held the role of chair of the Gender and Justice Joint Committee of The Missouri Bar and the Supreme Court of Missouri - Birth place: St. Louis ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### media equipment advance approval Scope: statewide Missouri Court Operating Rule 16 requires advance approval for media equipment used for courtroom coverage and allows the judge to control the number and setup of media personnel and equipment. Evidence excerpt: Failure to obtain advance approval for equipment may preclude its use in the proceeding. [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### device use in courtroom Scope: statewide Missouri courtroom device use for media coverage is not generally permitted unless authorized by the operating rule, a local court rule, or the judge presiding in the proceeding. Evidence excerpt: No person may use any device capable of media coverage in a courtroom or court clerk's office unless specifically authorized [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### audio video recording Scope: statewide Missouri allows limited video and audio recording for media coverage under COR 16 technical limits, subject to judicial approval and courtroom controls. Evidence excerpt: Not more than one videographer, using a single device, shall be permitted in the courtroom during a judicial proceeding at any time. [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4947/laura-denvir-stith/) - [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4947/laura-denvir-stith/) - [Supreme Court of Missouri current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4947/laura-denvir-stith/) - [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4947/laura-denvir-stith/) - [Wikidata: Laura Denvir Stith](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6498849) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-denvir-stith-4947", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-denvir-stith-4947", "name": "Laura Denvir Stith | KnowJudges", "description": "Laura Denvir Stith, Supreme Court of Missouri. 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