Former judge joins prosecutor’s office

judge-messinaFormer Jackson County Judge Edith Messina has joined the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office. Messina will focus on examining the office’s diversion programs, attorney training and special projects, according to Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

“The addition of Edith Messina and her vast legal experience is a tremendous benefit to the office of the prosecutor, our assistant prosecutors and the community,” Baker said in a press release. “I’m excited to bring her professionalism and legal credibility to our office, and I’m grateful she accepted a further call to public service.”

In 1984, Gov. Christopher S. Bond appointed Messina as a judge in the 16th Circuit, making her the first woman appointed as a circuit judge in Jackson County. Messina, a native of Kansas City, also was the first woman to serve as presiding judge of the Jackson County Circuit Court, 1998-2000. In 2008, she was honored with the “Dean of the Trial Bar” award by the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association for her lifelong commitment to the profession. In April, Messina will be honored with a Public Officials Award as part of the 2015 Women’s Justice Awards, a signature event of Missouri Lawyers Media.

“The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office is adopting a number of innovative strategies to improve public safety and reduce violence in our community,” Messina said. “I’m very pleased to be part of those efforts.’*

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