Women serving justice in Buchanan County
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Many women have made their mark in the judiciary across the country, with three locals standing out as trailblazers who are breaking barriers in Buchanan County’s legal system.
Michelle Davidson, Kate Schaefer, and Rebecca Spencer have worked to attain their current positions, achieving some history for women locally. Their objective is to establish themselves so that being the "first female" becomes an exception.
“I was the first female judge in 40 years,” said Associate Circuit Judge Rebecca Spencer of being elected to her position.
Their motivation extends beyond personal success and not just being established in law but as dedicated public servants bringing justice to Buchanan County.
“I just wanted to make sure that both women and men have a voice in this office,” said Davidson, who has made history as the county’s first female prosecuting attorney.
For these women, upholding the integrity of the legal system means ensuring that every case is carefully reviewed and handled with the highest standards of justice. Their dedication keeps the courts consistent and fair.
For Schafer, the first female presiding judge in Buchanan County, the profession requires long hours, resilience and unwavering commitment.
“I am focused on the law. I am focused on making sure people have their day in court, and I really want people to see that I’m trying.”
For young women aspiring to be in their roles someday, Davidson says two things are required to be successful.
“If you want to be in public service, it’s very important that you have thick skin and a big heart,” she said.
Beyond the courtroom, these women are more than judges and prosecutors — they are mothers, past athletes and role models. No matter the intensity of their work, they leave their cases behind when they step out of the courthouse.
“I’m a single mother of three kids. I wanted to be able to provide and have a good life for them. My kids were really my driving force,” Spencer said.
Their work is proof that justice is best served when driven by passion, perseverance and a commitment to fairness.
"Don't ever let someone tell you you can't because you can do whatever you want, just like anybody else," Schafer said. "So, woman versus man … there is none of that we're all the same. If you have this career, you have this path, you want it, you do it."
