Senator Schmitt Chairs Senate Judiciary Hearing Endorsing Justin Smith for Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

Smith was Schmitt’s Top Advisor in Missouri Attorney General’s Office
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), chaired a Senate Judiciary Hearing introducing President Trump’s nominee Justin Smith for the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Smith served as Schmitt’s Chief of Staff and First Assistant in the Missouri Attorney General’s office.
Watch the Senator’s introductionHERE.
“I also want to thank President Trump for nominating Justin Smith to this really important position… I think Missouri is really leading the way withnot just in the numbers, but the quality of candidates that have been put forth to serve in the Article III branch… It’s a real privilege for me to introduce Justin Smith, President Trump’s nominee to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. This introduction is very personal for me because I had the opportunity to work with Justin not just in one role, but in multiple chapters of public service. He was a key member of my team in the Missouri Attorney General’s office when I brought him over to serve with me when I became Attorney General, where he served as my top advisor and held senior leadership positions, including Chief of Staff and First Assistant, and after I came to the Senate, I trusted him enough to bring him here as a Senior Advisor as well. I’ve seen him work up close, day in and day out, and I can say it very plainly: Justin Smith is one of the finest lawyers I’ve ever worked with in my whole life…Justin has seen the law from multiple angles. He’s practiced in private litigation. He served in the governor’s office. He served as general counsel for the Missouri Department of Agriculture. He helped lead a very active state attorney general’s office. He’s been a senior advisor in the United States Senate. In each one of those roles, he’s built a reputation for being prepared, careful, and serious about getting it right. On a personal level, Justin is the kind of person you want around when the stakes are high… He listens carefully, he thinks rigorously, and he speaks with precision in public life, where ego and impulse can too often get in the way. Justin has the kind of maturity and self-command that gives you confidence…He’s also deeply rooted in Missouri…He understands our part of the country, our legal tradition, and the proper role of a judge within our constitutional system. He knows that the job is not to invent law, not to chase political fashion, not to impose personal will from the bench. The job is to interpret the law faithfully, apply it honestly, and respect the limits of judicial power. That is exactly the kind of judge Justin Smith will be. So, for me, this is not just an introduction; it’s a strong personal endorsement of someone I’ve relied on time and time again in his judgment. I’vewatched his performance and seen his character firsthand. He has the intellect for the job, the experience for the job, the temperament for the job. I’m proud to support his nomination and urge the committee to support that nomination as well”,said Senator Schmitt during his opening remarks.
Watch the Senator’s full exchange with SmithHERE.
Smith’s nomination marks the latest Schmitt-alum to be tapped by President Trump to serve in the federal legal system.
###