Local Judge Courtney Wachal from Kansas City Municipal Court to Keynote Park University's Women Revolutionizing Criminal Justice Convention
## Courtney Wachal, J.D., to Speak at Park University's Women Transforming Criminal Justice Event
On March 5, 2025, Judge Courtney Wachal, J.D., will be the featured speaker at Park University's 3rd annual Women Transforming Criminal Justice event. The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Jenkin and Barbara David Theater inside Alumni Hall on Park University's flagship Parkville Campus, will be open to the public and livestreamed at ourumedia.com.
Judge Wachal, an esteemed attorney and advocate, has dedicated her career to criminal justice reform and domestic violence prevention. She is known for her work in integrating legal, mental health, and community services for survivors of domestic violence, advocating for legislation that enhances protections for survivors, and training professionals to better respond to domestic violence cases.
In addition to her speaking role, Judge Wachal will share insights into domestic violence programming and engage in a panel discussion with experts who provide domestic violence services. The event will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
Judge Wachal's impressive background includes serving as the presiding judge of the Kansas City Municipal Court in Missouri, where she presides over the Domestic Violence Court and Wellness Court. She was appointed as a municipal court judge in Division 203 in January 2015, which has primary jurisdiction over all domestic violence cases filed in municipal court.
Prior to her judicial career, Judge Wachal served in the Missouri State Public Defender System for seven years before becoming an assistant prosecuting attorney with the City of Kansas City, Mo., in 2011. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the field, receiving numerous awards, including the Young Lawyers Section Pro Bono Publico Award from the Missouri Bar Association in 2014, the Women's Justice Award for Public Service from Missouri Lawyers Media in October 2021, and the Judge of the Year award by the Association for Women Lawyers in December 2017.
Judge Wachal is not only an accomplished professional but also a dedicated community leader. She serves as a mentor with the Association for Women Lawyers Foundation Denise Henning Connections Program and is an ex-officio member of the board of directors for the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City. Additionally, she is a past president of the board of directors for Sheffield Place and currently serves on the organization's advisory board.
We are thrilled to have Judge Courtney Wachal, J.D., as our keynote speaker for this year's Women Transforming Criminal Justice event. Her insights and expertise in domestic violence programming will undoubtedly inspire and inform our attendees, as we work together to transform the criminal justice system and support survivors of domestic violence.
During Judge Courtney Wachal's keynote speech at Park University's Women Transforming Criminal Justice event, she will provide valuable insights about domestic violence programming, which demonstrates her commitment to education and self-development in this crucial area. Attendees can expect to be inspired and informed by her extensive experience and knowledge in this field, as they collectively aim to transform the criminal justice system and support survivors of domestic violence.
