U.S. District Judge Ronnie White announces retirement from federal bench

Judge Ronnie L. White of the United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, retired on July 31.

White was appointed to the role in 2014 by President Barack Obama, according to a news release. He earned his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University.

Before his appointment as a federal judge, White served as the first Black chief justice on the Missouri Supreme Court from 2003-2005 after being appointed to the court in 1995. Prior to that appointment, White had a robust legal career in St. Louis.

“His legal career includes an internship with Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, trial attorney for the Public Defenders’ Office in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, and private practice. He served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives as Chairman of both the House Judiciary and Ethics Committee and the Civil and Criminal Justice Committee,” according to the news release. “Judge White was appointed City Counselor for the City of St. Louis in 1993 and began his judicial career with his appointment as Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.”

Following White’s retirement from the court, he will become a mediator with JAMS, St. Louis Mediation, Arbitration and ADR Services, according to the release.

“It was an honor and privilege to serve as a judge in the Eastern District of Missouri. I have found my duties meaningful and challenging,” White said in a statement. “I am grateful for my esteemed colleagues and the work of the Court and my staff. Having the opportunity to serve as a district court judge has been the capstone on a long and rewarding career in public service.”