Life as a Small-Town Prosecutor: Judge Kelly Broniec’s Journey to the Supreme Court of Missouri

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner interviews Judge Kelly Broniec of the Missouri Supreme Court. They discuss Judge Broniec's journey from a small-town upbringing to her current role on the Supreme Court, including her experiences in law school, private practice, and as a prosecutor. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, community engagement, and mental health awareness in the legal profession. Judge Broniec shares insights into the challenges and surprises of being a judge, as well as her commitment to serving the community and supporting her colleagues. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Missouri Law Matters 00:54 Meet Judge Kelly Broniec 01:54 Early Life and Education 03:54 Path to Law School 06:38 Transitioning to Prosecutor 08:25 Balancing Dual Roles 12:03 Skills Developed in Practice 13:06 Becoming a Full-Time Prosecutor 19:28 From Prosecutor to Associate Circuit Judge 21:16 The Journey to Becoming a Judge 22:59 Adjusting to the Judicial Role 26:37 Experience as an Associate Circuit Judge 29:18 Transition to the Court of Appeals 31:15 Joining the Missouri Supreme Court 36:15 Surprises in the Supreme Court Role 37:56 Community Engagement and Outreach 40:09 Finding Balance in Life 42:06 Reflections on the Journey 47:05 Mental Health Awareness in the Legal Profession