Julie Highley was born in Butler, Missouri to Robert and Janice Highley. She grew up in rural Bates County where she attended school at Ballard R-II. Her parents were active in the community and set a strong example of service through their involvement in many local organizations. It was this tradition of service that lead her to start her legal career as a Public Defender protecting the rights of the accused. After four years serving clients in 17th, 27th and 28th Circuits, she entered private practice where she was proud to assist countless individuals through difficult times, including divorces, child custody issues, criminal and traffic matters. She then served as the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Johnson County, Missouri prosecuting felony offenses ranging from drug possession to murder. After six years in that position, she left to be closer to home as her son entered middle school.
She was privileged to then serve as the Chief Counsel to the Juvenile Officer for the 17th Judicial Circuit providing valuable intervention on behalf of children and families in cases of abuse and neglect, as well as rehabilitating children that came into contact with the Juvenile Office. Julie then joined the Benjamin Law Firm in Belton, Missouri where she remained through March of this year. She currently practices in the areas of family law, criminal and traffic defense and continues to represent children and families that are involved in the Juvenile Court.
Ms. Highley is known in the legal community as a practitioner with unquestioned integrity, skill and fairness. She brings a rare combination of experience, compassion and knowledge to the duties that she is committed to perform faithfully and impartially. She is anxious to start her duties as your Associate Circuit Court Judge and begin her lifelong dream of serving the community in this capacity.
Ms. Highley is known in the legal community as a practitioner with unquestioned integrity, skill and fairness. She brings a rare combination of experience, compassion and knowledge to the duties that she is committed to perform faithfully and impartially. She is anxious to start her duties as your Associate Circuit Court Judge and begin her lifelong dream of serving the community in this capacity.
