WJA 2023: Renee Hardin-Tammons

Judge, Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District

Judge Renee Hardin-Tammons says she never aspired to become a judge — her career path led her there, each step carefully crafted from the lessons she learned in earlier roles.

Last March, she was sworn in as a judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

She credits her success to others who have encouraged her along the way. She was a prosecutor when a colleague remarked that her temperament and demeanor would serve her well in the judiciary.

“I knew from the age of 10 that I wanted to be a lawyer, but I never thought of myself as a judge, until someone saw something in me and planted that seed,” she said.

Hardin-Tammons started her career in private practice after receiving her law degree from the University of Missouri. Prior to her appointment to the court of appeals, she served as a circuit court judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

For Hardin-Tammons, the best part of her role as an appellate judge is the variety of cases she studies.

“I read about different laws every day, in every area that exists, from criminal to family, probate, and torts, you name it,” she said.

Gratitude and an open heart guide Hardin-Tammons both in her work and her personal life.

“I try to live a purposeful life, find ways to love people, to show kindness, and give to others,” she said.

Hardin-Tammons grew up singing in her church and recalls a favorite hymn with lyrics that express her key guiding principle — “if I can help somebody as I travel along … then my living shall not be in vain.”

As a judge, Hardin-Tammons calls upon the courage of her convictions to do the right thing.

“Even when people strongly disagree, you have to be courageous and stand up for what’s right, even if you make a decision that make others unhappy,” she said.

One of Hardin-Tammons’ great passions is writing. Another is cooking. Years ago, she combined the two and published a cookbook titled I’m Guilty of Loving Southern Cooking. She has two other books in the works.