Park University's Women Transforming Criminal Justice Event to Feature KCMO Municipal Judge Courtney Wachal as Keynote Speaker
Courtney Wachal, J.D., is a renowned legal professional known for her significant contributions to domestic violence programming and the judicial system. While comprehensive biographical details about her may not be widely available, her impact in shaping responses to domestic violence within the legal and social services sectors is undeniable.
Wachal's legal career began with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Kansas School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She served in the Missouri State Public Defender System for seven years before becoming an assistant prosecuting attorney with the City of Kansas City, Mo., in 2011.
In 2015, Wachal was appointed as Kansas City municipal court judge in Division 203, which has primary jurisdiction over all domestic violence cases filed in municipal court. Under her term, the court debuted its first-ever evening and weekend dockets, and greatly enhanced warrant relief through community engagement and walk-in dockets.
In January 2019, Wachal began presiding over the Kansas City Municipal Drug Court. In June 2019, the domestic violence compliance docket developed a drug court track under her leadership. This specialized, supervised docket addresses high-risk domestic violence offenders with substance use disorders.
In January 2024, Kansas City Municipal Court launched Wellness Court, over which Wachal presides. The docket is designed to permit domestic violence offenders the therapeutic environment needed to recover from their substance use disorder while simultaneously holding them accountable for their battering behavior.
Wachal's expertise in domestic violence law, program development, and judicial system involvement have led to numerous recognitions. She has received awards such as the Champion of Change award from the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in 2015, the Hon. Joseph E. Stevens Aspire to Excellence Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association in December 2023, and the Women's Justice Award for Public Service from Missouri Lawyers Media in October 2021.
In addition to her judicial duties, Wachal serves as an ex-officio member of the board of directors for the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City and is on the organization's advisory board. She is also a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and serves as a mentor with the Association for Women Lawyers Foundation Denise Henning Connections Program.
On March 5, 2025, Wachal will be the featured speaker at Park University's 3rd annual Women Transforming Criminal Justice event. The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon in the Jenkin and Barbara David Theater inside Alumni Hall on Park University's flagship Parkville Campus, will be livestreamed at ourwebsiteumedia.com.
Wachal's work in domestic violence programming and the judicial system continues to make a significant impact, combining drug court and mental health court programs in the Wellness Court. For more detailed information about her projects and achievements, professional directories or organizations focused on domestic violence prevention and legal support might provide additional insight.
- Courtney Wachal's contributions extend beyond the judicial system as she serves as a mentor, offering guidance to aspiring women lawyers through the Association for Women Lawyers Foundation Denise Henning Connections Program.
- In alignment with her commitment to education and self-development, Courtney Wachal will be the featured speaker at Park University's 3rd annual Women Transforming Criminal Justice event, sharing insights on her impactful work in domestic violence programming and the judicial system.
