Governor Kehoe Appoints New Judge in St. Louis

Nicole Colbert-Botchway has been selected to serve on the 22nd Judicial Circuit.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People

Governor Kehoe Appoints New Judge in St. Louis

Governor Mike Kehoe has appointed Nicole Colbert-Botchway as a judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit in St. Louis. She will fill the judicial vacancy resulting from the retirement of Judge Paula P. Bryan.

Why it matters

The appointment ensures the continued operation of the 22nd Judicial Circuit by replacing a retiring jurist with an experienced associate circuit judge. This transition maintains the court's capacity to handle cases within the St. Louis area.

The appointment elevates the sitting associate circuit judge to a higher position within the 22nd Judicial Circuit. This move fills the seat vacated by Judge Paula P. Bryan, who holds a law degree from Saint Louis University.

The players

Mike Kehoe

Mike Kehoe serves as the Governor of Missouri.

Nicole Colbert-Botchway

Nicole Colbert-Botchway is an associate circuit judge who was appointed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit.

Paula P. Bryan

Paula P. Bryan is a former judge whose retirement created the vacancy in the 22nd Judicial Circuit.

The details

Nicole Colbert-Botchway is a resident of St. Louis and currently serves as an associate circuit judge in the same circuit. She earned her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University before her selection for this new role.

Governor Mike Kehoe announced the judicial appointment on Oct. 23, 2026.

Market Landscape

This appointment follows the established selection processes for filling judicial vacancies in the state. It marks a transition in the judicial leadership of St. Louis as the local court system shifts personnel following a retirement.

Residents of St. Louis may see the new judge presiding over matters in the 22nd Judicial Circuit as she assumes her duties. This change in the bench ensures that court dockets continue to be managed by an active, sitting judge.

The takeaway

Judicial appointments like this are essential for maintaining the stability and efficiency of local courts. The process ensures that the transition from a retiring official to a new appointee happens with minimal disruption to the public legal system.