Elder law attorney seeks Christian County judgeship

Photo courtesy ElectJessicaKruse.com

Jessica Kruse

A partner in Springfield-based Ozarks Elder Law LLC is running for a Christian County judgeship.

Attorney Jessica Kruse announced her bid for the associate circuit judge position for the Division III seat in Christian County, held by Judge Larry Luna for 11 years. Luna is retiring from the post, according to a staff member with his office.

Kruse, who focuses on elder law, probate and estate planning, filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission to run as a Republican in the Aug. 7 primary election, according to a news release.

“To be an effective judge, in my opinion, requires great responsibility and a heart of service,” Kruse said in the release, noting her law partner would run her firm if she's elected. “My legal experience, which encompasses civil litigation, juvenile law and family law, fits the experience needed for this position. 

“Christian County has had a long line of professional and respected judges, and I hope to follow in that path.”

The Division III associate circuit judge presides over civil and small claims, according to Courts.ChristianCountyMo.gov.

A 2013 member of Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Kruse that same year merged her firm, Kruse Legal Services LLC, with Zerrer Elder Law Office LLC to form Ozarks Elder Law.

Kruse’s campaign is endorsed by former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice John Holstein, according to the release. Her campaign has not reported full financial disclosure reports to the MEC. No one else has filed for the circuit judge position with the MEC.