Spotlight: Judge John Warner

At 23, the harried single father of a toddler was working long hours as an assistant manager of a shoe department within a Famous-Barr Store. 

His parents took care of their grandchild--sometimes into the night---as John (Jack) Warner juggled it all. Later, this highly respected, now-retired, Circuit Court judge also struggled to parent as he earned two university degrees—also while working.

That experience made him especially sensitive to issues families face when there is too little time and no money.

After 30 years as a trial lawyer handling only civil cases and seven months as a Circuit Court judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit, Judge Warner was transferred to the Family/Juvenile Court of St. Louis County.  For two years, 2013 and 2014, as a family court judge, he heard the painful stories of neglected and abused children in foster care and gained a deep respect for the professionals involved in each case.

In family cases in open court, the judge talks to each person involved, which is not the norm in criminal and civil cases. The judge listens to everyone’s opinion on what is best for the child.  In those sessions, Judge Warner came to respect the hard work and commitment shown by the Deputy Juvenile Officer, the very overworked Children’s Division case managers, the attorney for the Deputy Juvenile Officer, and the attorneys who serve as guardians ad litem.   He heard testimony from foster parents who offered very sound advice on where the children should be placed because generally, they knew the children well. 

He adds that he was especially impressed with the CASA of St. Louis volunteer advocates: “Their sole objective is to help the child, and they work hard to keep in touch with everyone involved in the case---from the therapists and teachers to birth and foster parents.”

He was amazed at their dedication.  “Clearly this is a labor of love for them,” Judge Warner adds.  “They establish strong relationships with the children and are often the one constant source of help and advice for these kids for many years.”

Retired since 2020, Judge Warner plans to do one thing with his free time: “I want to spend more time with my family, especially with my grandchildren.  For me, family is everything.”