--- title: "William W. Francis Jr. | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/william-w-francis-jr-7709" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-02" --- # William W. Francis Jr. Missouri Court of Appeals · Judge ## Profile - Court: Missouri Court of Appeals - State: Missouri - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-06-30 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Judge, Missouri Court of Appeals, 2010-present - After retiring in 2022, Francis joined Carnahan Evans PC as Senior Counsel - Judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, serving from May 2010 until his retirement in July 2022 ### Education - University of Missouri-Columbia — J.D. ### Additional information - He was retained by voters in 2012 with 72.6% of the vote. - The Appellate Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee recommended in 2012 that he be retained, citing his clear, concise opinions, fair and impartial rulings, and strong legal acumen. - Francis was appointed by Governor Jay Nixon on April 16, 2010, to succeed retired Judge John E. Parrish. - focusing on mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. - RJF Agencies, Inc. (332 S.W.3d 184) - Before joining the court, Francis had over 32 years in private practice in Springfield, MO - focusing on civil trials, workers’ compensation, products liability, medical negligence, and auto cases. - Associated with Placzek & Francis and Miller & Sanford law firms - His most-cited decision was Autry Morlan Chevrolet, Cadillac, Inc. v. - He remains admitted to the Missouri Bar, U.S. Supreme Court, and U.S. Court of Federal Claims - He was active in the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, and his church, and held the role of an elder ## 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/7709/william-w-francis-jr/) - [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7709/william-w-francis-jr/) - [Missouri Court of Appeals current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7709/william-w-francis-jr/) - [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/7709/william-w-francis-jr/) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/william-w-francis-jr-7709", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/william-w-francis-jr-7709", "name": "William W. Francis Jr. | KnowJudges", "description": "William W. Francis Jr., Missouri Court of Appeals. 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