The swearing-in ceremony of United States District Judge Joshua M. Divine was held on July 25, 2025, filling the seat vacated by Judge Rodney W. Sippel’s taking senior status. Chief Judge Stephen R. Clark presided.

Judge Divine is the former Solicitor General of Missouri, where he oversaw the appellate and special litigation divisions. Before his service as Solicitor General of Missouri, he worked as a Chief Counsel in the U.S. Senate. Judge Divine also served as a judicial clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court of the United States and for Judge William Pryor of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and of Yale Law School.

Highlighting the importance of impartiality, Judge Divine expressed his eagerness to serve and gratitude for this opportunity. Chief Judge Clark stated, “We are delighted to have Judge Divine join us as a colleague on our Court, and we are confident that he will uphold the rule of law with integrity and impartiality.”

For further information contact the Clerk of Court at 314-244-7900.