A Moment of Awe and Gratitude from the Bench

By Judge Peter A. Lassiter

As the leaves turn and the scent of the season fills the air, we arrive at Thanksgiving—a deeply meaningful time for reflection. I wanted to use this space to share a personal note of gratitude with all of you who have supported my journey to the bench.

It is truly with a heart full of gratitude, and frankly, a deep sense of awe, that I look at where I am today. Over this past year, I have been continuously humbled by the opportunity to serve as your Associate Circuit Judge. My Christian Catholic faith has always taught me the importance of service, integrity, and humility, and I see God’s guiding hand every single day in this role, confirming that this is exactly where I am meant to be. 

I am far from perfect and there continue to be missteps. You don't step into a new position without needing to grow. But, the learning curve has been rewarding. I promise that I continue to work to be better and become the man/Judge that you need and expect. My years as an Assistant Prosecutor and in private practice gave me invaluable experience, but managing a new caseload, running dockets efficiently, and learning the operational rhythms of the court requires focus and clarity. I’ve enjoyed working with my fellow judges, learning from their wisdom, and collaborating with the dedicated attorneys in our community to create a court schedule that assists litigants having matters heard—and, in many cases, finally tackling those older files to bring families the closure and healing they need. My prior work as a Guardian ad Litem for St. Charles County continuously grounds me, making sure I never forget the children involved in the proceedings.

But the clarity I've found extends beyond the courtroom in focusing on my own family. This season, I've had the immense joy of getting back into the deer stand recently on the weekends with my kids, enjoying that quiet reflection time together in the Missouri woods, and even getting my first buck in years—a small reminder of bringing that focus of memories together. These reminders, I believe, not only make me a better man/father but also, hopefully, a better Judge dealing with Family Law dynamics. 

I will always be very committed to what happens in the courtroom itself. My goal continues to be that every person who steps through the Division 8 doors is treated with respect. I strive to create an environment where people feel heard within the context of the Law. I try to have an efficient, focused, and respectful atmosphere necessary for the weighty decisions made there. It is about consciousness to the Law and ensuring that justice is administered fairly and impartially but never losing sight that it is people and families that are impacted by my decisions. 

To all of you who have supported me—my friends, neighbors, and fellow community members—thank you. Your confidence is a responsibility I take seriously every single day.

From my family to yours, I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with peace, abundance, and deep gratitude.

-Pete

Image provided is not Judge Lassiter's courtroom but that is beautiful lighting.