--- title: "Mark D. Pfeiffer | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mark-d-pfeiffer-judge-missouri-court-of-appeals-western-district-mo" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-02" --- # Mark D. Pfeiffer Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District · Judge ## Profile - Court: Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District - State: Missouri - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - He has been on the bench since 2009 and was elected chief judge of the district in 2016 for a two‐year term - Judge, Missouri Court of Appeals, 2009-present - Legal career — Began in 1992 as an associate at Farrington & Curtis Law Firm; became a shareholder at Bley & Pfeiffer, P.C. in 1995, where he practiced until his judicial appointment in 2009 ### Education - Westminster College — B.A. - University of Missouri-Columbia — J.D. ### Additional information - His term ends December 31, 2034 - In October 2023, Pfeiffer was named President of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal (CCJSCA), a national organization of chief judges from 39 states, serving a one‐year term. - He won the 2022 retention election with 392,814 “Yes” votes to 215,386 “No” votes - Pfeiffer was retained in 2010 (64.7% vote) and again in 2022 (64.6% vote). - Judge Pfeiffer presides over appeals from circuit courts within Missouri’s Western District. ## 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.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/5_Judicial.pdf) - [Official roster](https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/5_Judicial.pdf) - [Missouri Secretary of State Official Manual official judicial roster](https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/5_Judicial.pdf) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7737/mark-d-pfeiffer/) - [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/7737/mark-d-pfeiffer/) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mark-d-pfeiffer-judge-missouri-court-of-appeals-western-district-mo", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mark-d-pfeiffer-judge-missouri-court-of-appeals-western-district-mo", "name": "Mark D. 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