Judge Cory L. Atkins was appointed as Circuit Judge on September 26, 2019, by Governor Michael L. Parson. Previously, Judge Atkins served as an Associate Circuit Judge.
Judge Atkins began his career as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, and later served as a law clerk to the Honorable Zel M. Fischer at the Supreme Court of Missouri. After clerking, Judge Atkins engaged in a nationwide trial practice that focused on cases involving negligence and products liability. In addition to his trial work, Judge Atkins handled and provided guidance on over 100 appeals, including cases in all three districts of the Missouri Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of Missouri, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Kansas Court of Appeals, and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Judge Atkins was born and raised in Independence, Missouri. He attended Independence Public Schools. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University and his law degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Judge Atkins is an Eagle Scout.