| Reporter assisted by AI
Springfield criminal defense attorney James R. Hayes has joined Wampler & Passanise as an attorney, according to a community announcement.
Hayes brings nearly 20 years of experience to the firm, having represented clients charged with serious offenses including homicide, robbery and drug trafficking, according to the announcement. He is licensed in Missouri and before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
Hayes has litigated appeals before the Missouri Court of Appeals, the Missouri Supreme Court and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has also served as a special public defender in high-stakes cases, including complex murder trials.
Hayes has distinguished career
“James’ attention to detail and reputation among judges and lawyers is exemplary,” Joseph Passanise, criminal defense attorney and managing partner at Wampler & Passanise, said in the announcement. “We are blessed to have him on our team as he will make a difference every day in our clients’ lives. His years of trial experience and strong work ethic are a perfect fit for our firm, and we are honored to have him with us.”
Hayes earned his undergraduate degree from Evangel University in 2001 and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2008. During law school, he served as president of the Student Bar Association and contributed to the school’s advocacy programs, including the National Mock Trial Team and the Moot Court Executive Board, according to the announcement.
He was selected to serve as a Criminal Justice Act Attorney, a process that identifies attorneys qualified to accept federal appointments in criminal cases. He was also chosen to serve as a mentor attorney, guiding less experienced and potential panel members.
Hayes is a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also serves as an adult scout leader in Scouting America Troop 235 and a cubmaster and den leader for Pack 221. He was chosen by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools to serve as an ambassador in the program’s second class, educating on district programs and services. He has also trained volunteer advocates for Court Appointed Special Advocates, a national organization of trained volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system, according to the announcement.
About Wampler & Passanise
Wampler & Passanise is led by managing partner Joseph S. Passanise and attorneys Thomas Carver and James Hayes, according to the announcement.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, [email protected] with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
