---
title: "Thomas C. Clark II | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-c-clark-ii-judge-missouri-court-of-appeals-eastern-district-mo"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Thomas C. Clark II

Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern 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.

## 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)
- [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- chief judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, a position he began on September 25, 2023, following a unanimous vote by his peers
- Initially appointed to the Court of Appeals in February 2021 by Governor Mike Parson, succeeding Judge Robert G. Dowd, Jr
- Selected as an associate circuit judge in 2006 and later elevated to circuit judge in 2017 by Governor Eric Greitens
- Early in his career, Clark served as an assistant circuit attorney in St. Louis
- Judge Thomas C. Clark II has a long-standing and respected career in Missouri’s judiciary, progressing from associate circuit judge to circuit judge, and now serving as chief judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District

### Education

- Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University in 1998 and later earned a Master of Arts in Judicial Studies from the University of Nevada-Reno in 2019
- Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Kansas in 1990, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Saint Louis University in 1993

### Additional information

- Clark was retained in office in the November 2022 election for a twelve-year term ending December 31, 2034, receiving 65.5% of the vote Before his appellate appointment, Clark served in the 22nd Judicial Circuit (City of St. Louis).
- Bachelor of Science in Journalism
- His judicial assignments have included family and domestic matters, civil and criminal jury trials, and administrative appeals
- Clark has a strong academic background.
- Clark has been highly rated for his judicial performance.
- In evaluations, 95% of the Committee voted that he substantially meets overall judicial performance standards.
- He is a member of The Missouri Bar and has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Missouri’s commission on domestic violence and human trafficking.
- He is active in civic organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, Leadership St. Louis/FOCUS, St. James Catholic Church, the Eagle Scout Association, the Knights of Columbus, and the Zeta Phi Scholarship Foundation



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-b0a3408119d84bbcc3619511) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354). Collected 2026-07-26.
