ENDORSEMENT POLICY

In furtherance of its mission, WLA, upon approval by the Board, may endorse one candidate for judicial positions at such times and for such positions as it deems appropriate. Endorsements are made solely on qualification for the position and in furtherance of our mission.  WLA welcomes and encourages your requests.

The Process

Candidates requesting WLA’s endorsement must complete the online application and submit it along with a curriculum vitae or resumé online.  The Board will consider the nominee’s responses to this application and may, in its discretion, conduct interviews.  The weight given to any particular factor of the nominee’s application and/or interview rests with the discretion of each voting Board member.

Policy for Judicial Endorsements

For counties in the Missouri Plan, WLA will not make any pre-panel endorsements for a judicial position.  A panel candidate’s application for WLA’s endorsement is due five (5) days from the date the panel is announced.  When that application period has closed, the Board will post on the WLA website the names of those candidates seeking our endorsement.  The Board will then provide its members with a link to our website that allows for comments on any or all of the individuals seeking our endorsement.  The comment period will last two (2) days or will end one (1) day prior to the first panel member’s interview with the Governor’s office, whichever comes first.  The Board welcomes and encourages comments.  Comments will only be kept until such time as the Board finalizes its vote.  The vote, comments, and discussion are confidential.  Once the comment period closes, the Board will deliberate, announce its decision on the website under Current Endorsements, and notify the Governor’s office of WLA’s endorsement.

Policy for Judicial Commission Endorsements

Any application for WLA’s endorsement is due at least 30 days prior to the election for judicial commissioner.  Once the application period has closed, the Board will post on the WLA website the names of those candidates seeking our endorsement and open a comment period lasting two (2) days.  The Board will then provide its members with a link to our website to provide comments.  All comments, discussion and final decision are confidential.  Once the comment period closes, the Board will deliberate and announce its decision on the website under Current Endorsements.