Webster University Adjunct Sworn in as Federal Judge

ST. LOUIS, May 6, 2014 – Webster adjunct faculty member and U.S. Magistrate Judge Noelle C. Collins was sworn in as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri during a public ceremony on April 11, 2014.

“Even though I was happy as a federal prosecutor, I was thankful and elated by the news that I was selected to serve as a judge,” said Collins. “I was also humbled, which is a feeling that I experience daily because the work is serious and important. My decisions can have life-altering consequences for the litigants.”

Chief District Court Judge Catherine Perry conducted a private swearing in ceremony for Judge Collins at the end of November 2013 just before her official start date of December 1, 2013. She was chosen from a pool of candidates by judges serving on the court. She has served the Eastern District of Missouri since 2004, both as special assistant U.S. attorney and then as an assistant U.S. attorney specializing in the prosecution of human trafficking crimes.

Faculty and staff from the Legal Studies department attended the ceremony.

“Students love her classes,” said Robin Higgins, assistant professor and chair of the legal studies department. “She’s taught
 courses on criminal actions and introduction to law. Because she’s worked on eradicating human trafficking in the St. Louis area, we would love for her to teach a course regarding that area of law.”

Collins offers this advice to students interested in pursuing a career in law.

“Show commitment to equal justice under the law for everyone,” she said. “Students can do this any number of ways, including joining student groups that advocate for fairness and equality; informing others by writing an editorial about an important issue; or volunteering with a legal aid society. Webster University students have access to excellent legal faculty and a wonderful selection of classes that will prepare students for the rigors of law school. Also, learn to love writing. It is a craft that requires practice and attention. Judges must master this skill.”