Laura J. Johnson

Professional career

• The presiding judge of Division I of the 38th Judicial Circuit Court in Christian County, Missouri, elected in 2014, and plans to retire on January 1, 2027
• Before joining the bench, Johnson was a partner at Ellis, Ellis, Hammons & Johnson in Springfield, Missouri, a firm she joined in 1991.
• Began her legal career as a law clerk to Hon

Education

Additional information

• She was elected on November 4, 2014 to complete the term of the late Judge Mark E. Orr, and was re‐elected for two consecutive six‐year terms
• Judge Johnson presides over Division I of the Christian County Circuit Court, which handles a wide range of cases including civil, criminal, domestic, and probate matters.
• She has stated she will remain available as a senior judge to assist in the transition and will help fill the position
• She is also a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, Ozark Rotary Club, Missouri Right to Life, and the National Rifle Association
• She has served on multiple judicial and community boards, including the Missouri Judicial Records Committee, Civil Education Committee, Board of Examiners for Certified Court Reporters, and the Commission for the Retirement, Removal & Discipline of Judges.