Judge Draper to Become Chief of Training Oct. 23, 2023

ST. LOUIS, MO (October 3, 2023) — Retired Missouri Supreme Court Judge George W. Draper III will join the Office of the St. Louis Circuit Attorney as Chief Training Officer on October 23, 2023.

“It is a rare honor to have a man of Judge Draper’s impeccable character and vast legal expertise return to his roots in this office to train our team,” said Gore. “He will provide our attorneys with an incomparable education that not only will promote excellence while they are in this office, but also serve them well for the rest of their careers. I can think of no better role model for those who are drawn to the call of public service in the criminal justice system.”

“I welcome the opportunity to work with prosecutors on Gabe Gore’s team and share the knowledge I have gained from my years in the courtroom – on both sides of the bench,” Judge Draper said. “My initiation into the profession and service to our community was through this office, so this is a homecoming of sorts for me. I am excited to step into a new role as a mentor and help shape the next generation of trial practitioners.”

Draper worked in the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office, from 1984-1994, when he was appointed to the bench as associate circuit judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit (St. Louis County). He was appointed in 1998 as circuit judge and in 2000 as judge of the Eastern District Missouri Court of Appeals. In 2011, Judge Draper was appointed to the Supreme Court of Missouri by former Gov. Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon. Judge Draper has been teaching trial advocacy at St. Louis University School of Law for more than 20 years.

Judge Draper is a graduate of Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his law degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. After law school, Judge Draper was a law clerk to fellow Saint Louisan, the Hon. Shellie Bowers, in the District of Columbia Superior Court.

He is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Mound City Bar Association and the Missouri Lawyer’s Association. He is vice president of the board of Covenant Community Church and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He is married to former Associate Circuit Judge Judy P. Draper,

21st Judicial Circuit. They have one child, Chelsea W. Draper, who also is an attorney and former prosecutor.

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