On July 25, 2025, United States District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone was sworn in as the Court’s sixth active District Judge by Chief Judge Stephen R. Clark. He fills the vacancy created when District Judge John A. Ross took senior status.

Prior to joining the Court, Judge Bluestone dedicated his career to public service through legal roles with the State of Missouri and in all three branches of the Federal Government. Most recently, he was the Appellate Chief and a violent crimes prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office. He previously served as Deputy Solicitor General in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, on the staff of two U.S. Senators, and as a law clerk to Judge Raymond W. Gruender on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Judge Bluestone also worked for his family’s business after graduating from Georgetown University and the University of Oxford and before attending Harvard Law School.

During a short ceremony, Judge Bluestone thanked significant influences, expressed his excitement to join his colleagues on the bench, and recognized both the honor and responsibility of this position. Chief Judge Clark stated, “We are delighted to have Judge Bluestone as a colleague, and we look forward to his many contributions to upholding the rule of law with integrity and impartiality.”

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