Park University's Women Transforming Criminal Justice Event to Feature KCMO Municipal Judge Courtney Wachal as the Keynote Speaker.
Courtney Wachal: A Champion for Domestic Violence Prevention and Criminal Justice Reform
Courtney Wachal, J.D., is making a significant impact in Kansas City, Missouri, as the presiding judge of the municipal court. Known for her work in the areas of domestic violence prevention and criminal justice reform, Wachal has been instrumental in developing and supporting wellness court programs that address the needs of individuals affected by domestic violence.
Wachal's tenure as municipal court judge began in January 2015, with primary jurisdiction over all domestic violence cases filed in the court. In January 2019, she started presiding over the Kansas City Municipal Drug Court. The goal of Wellness Court, which was launched in January 2024 under her leadership, is to provide treatment, support, and serve the whole person.
One of Wachal's notable achievements was the development of a drug court track within the domestic violence compliance docket in June 2019. This innovative approach aims to provide integrated support by combining judicial oversight with therapeutic services to improve outcomes for survivors and offenders.
Wachal's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including the Women's Justice Award for Public Service from Missouri Lawyers Media in October 2021, the Rising Star of Philanthropy award by Nonprofit Connect in 2015, and the Judge of the Year award by the Association for Women Lawyers in December 2017. In December 2023, she received the Hon. Joseph E. Stevens Aspire to Excellence Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.
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. A question-and-answer session will conclude the event.
During the event, Wachal will share insights into domestic violence programming and engage a panel discussion with experts who will outline their roles in providing domestic violence services. This promises to be an enlightening and informative session for all attendees.
Wachal's commitment to her community extends beyond her role as a judge. She is an ex-officio member of the board of directors for the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City and past president of the board of directors for Sheffield Place, serving on the organization's advisory board. Additionally, she serves as a mentor with the Association for Women Lawyers Foundation Denise Henning Connections Program and is a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.
Wachal earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She also received the Dorothy Kaiser Award from the Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program in November 2024 and the Young Lawyers Section Pro Bono Publico Award from the Missouri Bar Association in 2014.
Under Courtney Wachal's term as presiding judge, the municipal court has made significant strides. She has debuted the first-ever evening and weekend dockets, and greatly enhanced warrant relief through community engagement and walk-in dockets. Wachal's dedication to her community and her work in the areas of domestic violence prevention and criminal justice reform continue to make a positive impact in Kansas City, Missouri.
Education and self-development played a significant role in Courtney Wachal's journey, as she earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
Courtney Wachal's commitment to education and self-development continues with her mentorship role in the Association for Women Lawyers Foundation Denise Henning Connections Program.
