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The right judgment can change the trajectory of a life.

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<h2>Bill speaks on Fostering Court Improvement</h2>Fostering Court Improvement is a collaborative partnership involving stakeholders from all the professions working with families involved with the foster care system.Bill is a member of the group and represented Boone County on a panel at Missouri's 2025 statewide gathering.

<h2>Bill learns about Central Missouri YouthBuild</h2>Job Point’s YouthBuild Program has been young people from central Missouri improve their lives for more than 20 years. It offers young people the opportunity to take control of their futures by completing their educations while also developing crucial career and leadership skills.Bill met with the group in January to learn how the program can continue and even expand its positive impact on our community.

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<h3>Justice shapes our future</h3>"I’m running for judge because I believe our courts should be more than places of punishment — they should be places of accountability and opportunity.After years of representing adults, parents, and children in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate, Traffic, and Juvenile Divisions of Boone County’s Court, I've seen firsthand how the right guidance and the right judgment can change the trajectory of a life. That experience taught me that justice isn’t only about decisions made in the moment – it’s about shaping futures."-- Bill Ellis, Candidate for Division 9 Boone County Associate Circuit Judge

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<h2>Our court is part of our community</h2><h3>I’m Bill Ellis and I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge in Division 9 because as a lifelong resident of Boone County, I believe our courts should be a place where justice means not only holding people accountable for their actions but also providing them the opportunity to move forward.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/bc241a56-2814-4f83-b97b-c64d00f2b89f/01451424-1499-4c9d-b69e-26e0b6b5bea4/01451424-1499-4c9d-b69e-26e0b6b5bea4.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=79%2C106%2C443%2C708&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Bill in High School" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bill in High SchoolI’m proud to have grown up here in Boone County. I’m a Shepard Boulevard Stallion, Jefferson Junior Cyclone, Hickman Kewpie, and Missouri Tiger. From kindergarten all the way through law school at Mizzou, this community shaped me. It’s where my family and friends live, where I built my legal career and try to give back, and where I met my partner, Kim, and where we’ve made our life.I’ve spent many years in and around our courts, starting from my early days prior to law school when I worked as a deputy juvenile officer for Boone and Callaway Counties. That job gave me a crash course in the kinds of challenges people in our community face, but it also taught me the importance of hope and accountability, and that people can change when given the opportunity and support to do so. Those same lessons guide me today. Whether it’s a criminal, probate, civil, or family law case, or my work in juvenile court where I regularly represent youth alleged to have broken the law or serve as a Guardian ad Litem advocating for abused and neglected children, I’ve learned that the law has the power to change people’s lives and futures.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/bc241a56-2814-4f83-b97b-c64d00f2b89f/42af5279-63c7-40b1-ae5a-4474e81e61ac/42af5279-63c7-40b1-ae5a-4474e81e61ac.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=453%2C333%2C1595%2C1203&amp;w=1500" alt="Photo of Bill Ellis outside of the Boone County Courthouse" caption="Bill on the courthouse steps" align="left" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bill on the courthouse steps&nbsp;I’ve spent my entire career using the law to help people from Boone County through some of the most crucial moments of their lives. As a lawyer, I’ve helped people adopt a child, stop abusing drugs or alcohol, start a business, or safely escape an abusive relationship. In my nearly 25 years as an attorney, I’ve seen the full range of what the legal system can do. Sure, sometimes it has to hold people accountable because that’s what’s needed for everyone to move forward. But sometimes, the right conversation with someone who is appearing in court to answer for a terrible choice they’ve made is enough to give that person hope for a better future, and sometimes hope for a better future is all a person needs to decide not to make the same bad choice again. That’s why I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge. I want to keep making that difference by bringing fairness, empathy, and common sense to the bench, and to help strengthen Boone County one case at a time.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/bc241a56-2814-4f83-b97b-c64d00f2b89f/4b6e04f7-3011-4f05-b721-7fdb5c81ac8f/4b6e04f7-3011-4f05-b721-7fdb5c81ac8f.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=1425%2C0%2C6239%2C4187&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Bill teaching civics at Boys &amp; Girls State" align="right" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bill teaching civics at Boys &amp; Girls StateOutside of my law practice, I’ve always believed in giving back. I’ve volunteered with Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State for almost twenty years, teaching young people about leadership, government, and civic responsibility. I also serve on the Missouri State Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, helping shape policy for youth and families across the state.And when I’m not in court, you can probably find me cheering for the Royals or the Tigers, or catching a band at Rose Park, or spending time with friends at Flat Branch because for me, Boone County isn’t just where I work. It’s home.

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Bill is committed to engaging community members. Here are some upcoming events. More will be added to our <a href="/7f7058cb-11c5-4a3d-8c6f-45dc4e0bd3aa">Events</a> page, so stay tuned!

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Bill is running for Division 9 Associate Circuit Judge, currently Boone County's juvenile court division. And with a career filled with deep experience, he has the background necessary to treat any case with the consideration and care it deserves.

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“I was born and raised in Boone County. It's where I attended school, from kindergarten all the way through law school. It's where my family and friends are. And it's where I've chosen to devote my professional career. I love it here."

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The right judgment can change the trajectory of a life.

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Donations can also be mailed to:Friends of Bill Ellis 103 Ripley Street Columbia, MO 65201Contributors must (1) be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident (2) make contributions from their own funds and are not being provided by another person or entity for the purpose of making the contribution (3) be at least 18 years old (4) disclose to the campaign any contract they have with the Missouri state government, and (5) not be using corporation or labor organization funds.

Bill held his Campaign Kickoff on October 29 at Logboat Brewery. More than 100 supporters attended to get first dibs on campaign swag and learn why Bill is running for Division 9 Boone County Circuit Associate Judge.

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Bill has been working in Boone County’s courtrooms nearly every day for almost 25 years. That experience has left him convinced that our courts work best when they are responsive to the needs of our community, hold people and themselves accountable, and provide opportunity to those of us who need to get back on track.

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Starting page for the campaign to elect Bill Ellis as Division IX, Associate Circuit Judge for Boone County, Missouri.

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Learn about Bill Ellis' personal values for why he believes he is qualified to serve as Division IX associate circuit judge.

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Come meet Bill Ellis on the second floor of Logboat Brewing Co. on Wed, Oct 29 at 4:30 PM.

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Meet Bill Ellis and learn about his personal history as he runs for Boone County, MO associate circuit judge.

Meet Bill Ellis, candidate for judge

Meet Bill

I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge because I believe our courts should reflect the values of the community they serve and represent. Boone County has shaped who I am. It’s where I grew up, from kindergarten all the way through high school. It’s where I decided to attend college and law school. It’s where my family and friends are. And it’s where I’ve chosen to live and work as a lawyer. I love it here. There is synergy between Boone County’s people and families, its businesses and organizations and institutions. We are all interconnected. Our neighbors’ troubles impact all of us, but their successes make our whole community better.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/bc241a56-2814-4f83-b97b-c64d00f2b89f/f935e4a4-82db-4eaf-880c-f6f6366e22e8/f935e4a4-82db-4eaf-880c-f6f6366e22e8.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=70%2C45%2C466%2C668&amp;w=1500" alt="Bill in first grade at Shepard Boulevard Elementary School" caption="Bill in first grade at Shepard Boulevard Elementary School" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bill in first grade at Shepard Boulevard Elementary SchoolI share Boone County’s values. I have walked the same streets, lived in the same neighborhoods, attended the same schools, and supported the same local businesses as the rest of its citizens. And I’ve built a career out of serving the people of this community. I understand the challenges we face because I’ve helped people through them. As a judge, I’ll ensure that the courtroom isn’t a distant, intimidating place, but a space where neighbors are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Justice doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it lives in the trust between the court and the community it serves.Our courts can help those in our community faced with life-altering challenges. Our legal system is entrusted not just with protecting the public when the social contract is broken, but also with finding a way to help those who are struggling to get back on track. And when those who are struggling get back on track, all of us in Boone County benefit.Justice, at its best, strengthens our community by ensuring fairness, restoring trust, and helping people find a better path forward. That is the vision I will bring to our courts.

Boone County is greater than the sum of its parts. Its people and families, its businesses, and its organizations and institutions are all interconnected. Our neighbors’ struggles impact all of us. And their successes make our whole community better.

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Bill Ellis will make his first appearance as a candidate at the Annual BBQ &amp; Stump Speeches hosted by the Boone County Democratic Party at Stephens Lake Park on October 12 from 11:30AM to 2:30PM. This is a candidate focused event that will also feature a silent auction of baked goods and other items.

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Annual BBQ, Stump Speeches &amp; Silent Auction

Come meet Bill Ellis on the second floor at Logboat Brewing Co. We will have plenty of food and drink as well as first dibs on campaign swag fresh off the presses. Hope to see you there!

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RSVP for our Campaign Kickoff at Logboat!

Bill Ellis is looking forward to attending this year's Chili Supper. The event is a beloved tradition of the Boone County Democrats and is always well attended. This year's special guest speaker is the Mayor of Kansas City, the Honorable Quinton Lucas!

Boone County Democrats Annual Chili Supper

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I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge because our courts must be accountable, not just to the people they serve and the community they represent, but to the law they must uphold. Judges must follow the law, but they must also lead with integrity, consistency, and transparency. If judges don’t respect the rule of law, then the rest of the community won’t respect it either. With years of experience in the courtroom, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for Boone County’s citizens to have confidence in our justice system. I will hold myself to the highest ethical standards, because this role isn’t just about rulings, it’s about responsibility. People deserve a judge who listens, who acts fairly, and who never forgets that every decision affects real lives.But there can also be no opportunity without accountability. The court can provide fairness and guidance and offer promising second chances instead of harsh consequences, but those opportunities come with responsibility. The law can provide a pathway to a better life, but individuals must take ownership of their actions and futures and be accountable to the court and the rest of the community. True accountability is a partnership between the court and the community. When the judiciary upholds the law with fairness and integrity, and when individuals take responsibility for making positive changes, our entire community grows stronger.

Our courts can be places where people and families turn things around, where accountability goes hand-in-hand with the chance to rebuild, and where the community stands at the ready to help in that effort.

I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge because I believe everyone deserves a fair shot, both in life and in court. Our courts should be more than places of punishment; they should be places of fairness, accountability, and assistance. After years of representing adults, parents, and children in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate, Traffic, and Juvenile Divisions of Boone County’s Court, I’ve seen firsthand how the right guidance and the right judgment can change the trajectory of a life. That experience has taught me that justice isn’t only about choices or rulings made in the moment, it’s about making decisions that can shape futures. Not just the future of the individual standing in front of the judge, but the future of our entire community. If Boone County’s people are successful, then Boone County thrives.Opportunity should not depend on zip code, background, or bank account. My legal career has taught me that the justice system can either open doors for people or close them. I choose to open them. Whether someone is facing their first mistake or seeking protection under the law, I will ensure they are heard, treated with fairness, and given a chance. Justice shouldn’t just be available for those who are privileged, it should create pathways for everyone to do better, be better, and move forward.As judge, I will always remember that every case is more than just a file; it’s an opportunity for a person, a family, and a community. Our courts don’t necessarily need to be punitive to be effective. Our courts can be places where people and families turn things around, where accountability goes hand-in-hand with the chance to rebuild, and where the community stands at the ready to help in that effort. Our courthouse can and should be a place where the law serves as both a safeguard for all of us and a second chance for litigants. Justice, when done right, not only changes outcomes, it can also change lives.

Justice isn’t only about decisions made in the moment – it’s about shaping futures. Not just the future of the individual standing in front of the judge, but the future of our entire community.

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<h5>Mr. Ellis hopes to carry on retiring Judge Tracy Gonzalez's emphasis on the well-being of children and families</h5>[COLUMBIA, Missouri, October 7, 2025] – Attorney Bill Ellis announced his candidacy today for Division 9 Boone County Associate Circuit Judge. The position will become open upon the retirement of Judge Tracy Gonzalez, who announced yesterday that she will be retiring at the conclusion of her term on December 31, 2026.&nbsp;“I have had the unique privilege of appearing in juvenile court in front of Judge Gonzalez several times every week since her election in 2018,” Ellis said. “Her care and concern for the children and families in her courtroom has been an inspiration for me and, more importantly, for them. She has made a positive difference in Boone County, and I plan to continue her efforts to show everyone who appears in court in Division 9, especially those in juvenile court, that a better path forward is possible.”With nearly 25 years of legal experience and a longstanding commitment to the well-being of children and families in central Missouri, Mr. Ellis seeks to carry on Judge Gonzalez’s legacy of fairness, empathy, and community-focused justice.Mr. Ellis is a Columbia native and a graduate of Hickman High School and the University of Missouri. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2001. He is a member of the Boone County Bar Association. In 2017, he was one of two attorneys appointed by the Missouri Bar to the Missouri State Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, which he continues to serve on today.&nbsp;Mr. Ellis worked as a deputy juvenile officer for Boone and Callaway Counties before attending law school. Since 2012, he has been engaged with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Boone and Callaway Counties, as a court-appointed attorney responsible for advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected youth in juvenile court. Mr. Ellis regularly defends children alleged to have committed crimes and represents the parents and caregivers of children in juvenile court.“I am running for Associate Circuit Judge because I believe everyone – including children and families – deserves a fair opportunity, compassion, and a justice system that works for them and can provide that better path forward,” Ellis said.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to his juvenile court experience, Mr. Ellis also has extensive professional experience in the corporate, public, and private legal sectors. He previously served as associate counsel and administrative hearing officer for the Missouri Department of Revenue, where he represented the Director of Revenue in matters pertaining to driving privileges and presided over more than one thousand administrative hearings contesting driver license suspensions and revocations for alcohol-related offenses.He went on to work in the Columbia office of a midsize law firm where he represented clients throughout central Missouri in all phases of civil litigation. And since starting his own law firm in 2011, he has focused his practice on juvenile law and criminal defense work.Mr. Ellis is hosting a campaign kickoff event at Logboat Brewing Company, 504 Fay Street, Columbia, Missouri 65201, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2025.###

Columbia, MO attorney William C. "Bill" Ellis announced today that he is a candidate for the Division IX Boone County Associate Circuit Judge position that will become open upon the retirement of Judge Tracy Gonzalez."I have had the unique privilege of appearing in Juvenile Court before Judge Gonzalez nearly every week since she was elected in 2018,” Ellis said, "and if elected, I pledge to do my level best to carry on her exemplary work for our community."

Columbia Attorney Bill Ellis Announces Candidacy for Division 9 Boone County Associate Circuit Judge

Support Columbia, Missouri attorney William "Bill" Ellis in his run for Boone County Associate Circuit Judge, Division IX.