Joseph S. Passanise
EDUCATION
Washburn University School of Law, Topeka, Kansas
- Juris Doctor - 1997
- Honors: With Honors
Missouri State University
- 1991
- Honors: With Honors
- Major: Political Science and Communication
Missouri State University
- M.A., Master of Arts - 1993
- Major: Communication
University of London, Imperial College
- M.B.A., Master of Business Administration - 1995
- Honors: Rotary Scholar
- Major: Business Administration
BAR ADMISSIONS
- United States Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri
- U.S. District Court Western District of Missouri
HONORS
- Member of the National College of DUI Defense, Sustaining Member (2021-present)
- Listed in Who’s Who in American Law (2005-Present)
- Named Super Lawyer by Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine, which recognizes the top 5 percent of attorneys through peer review (2006-Present)
- Peer-recognized as a Best Lawyer in America (2007-Present) in the practice areas of white collar, and general criminal and DUI defense
- Named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers (2007-Present)
- Member of the National Child Abuse Defense and Resource Center (2011-Present)
- Awarded the Charles M. Shaw Award for excellence in trial advocacy in 2013
- Named Best Lawyers Attorney of the Year for Criminal Defense: General Practice in Best Lawyers 2021 Ed. and Attorney of the Year for Criminal Defense: White Collar in Best Lawyers 2022 Ed.
- Past President of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL)
- Fellow in the prestigious American Board of Criminal Defense Lawyers (ABCDL)
- AVVO 10.0 Rating for Criminal Defense and Client’s Choice Award
- Appointed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson to the Missouri Tourism Commission (2021)
- Appointed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson to the Missouri Senate Redistricting Commission (2021)
CLASSES & SEMINARS
- Missouri Bar and MACDL Conference Speaker
- Teaches Legal Communication as per-course faculty at Missouri State University
- Teaches at area colleges and universities on the topics of criminal justice, DUI, and Title IX
PRO-BONO ACTIVITIES
- Board of Directors – Parenting Life Skills
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Perfect Game Sponsor: Bowl for Kid’s Sake
- Defending Partner: Taste of the Ozarks
PUBLISHED WORKS
- Author “Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings” by Aspatore in 2013 and 2014
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Fellow, American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL) (2013-Present)
- Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL), Past President
- National College of DUI Defense (2004-Present), Member
- National Child Abuse Defense and Resource Center (2011-Present)
- Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT POSITION
- Managing Partner