About Janet
Janet Thompson has lived in Boone County for most of her life, attending both Columbia Public Schools and the University Lab School, followed by undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Missouri. Her Law degree and Masters in Alternative Dispute Resolution led to a career in the Missouri State Public Defender System where she served as an Assistant Public Defender for almost 25 years. She served the Missouri Bar for many years as a Disciplinary Hearing Officer and helped create the Bar’s Lawyer to Lawyer Dispute Resolution process. She also served as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a not-for-profit organization authorized by Congress to protect America’s investors, and on whose behalf she resolved securities disputes around the country.
She was recognized in 2006 as a Defender of Distinction by the Public Defender System, and in 2008 received the Citation of Merit from the University of Missouri School of Law. In 2010, she received the Robert Duncan Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She has published in Fordham University’s Law Review, the Journal of the Missouri Bar, and has given professional presentations across organizations and universities both in Missouri and beyond.
She was recognized in 2006 as a Defender of Distinction by the Public Defender System, and in 2008 received the Citation of Merit from the University of Missouri School of Law. In 2010, she received the Robert Duncan Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She has published in Fordham University’s Law Review, the Journal of the Missouri Bar, and has given professional presentations across organizations and universities both in Missouri and beyond.
Janet was first elected to the Boone County Commission in November 2012 and was re-elected in November 2016. She is a fierce advocate for the residents of Boone County and is passionate about issues related to justice and advancing the health and well-being of county citizens, particularly children and members of vulnerable and underserved communities. Janet serves as liaison for the county’s Community Services Department, Criminal Justice Administration, Boone County Family Resources, the Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee and the Judicial and Law Enforcement Task Force, as well as many other departmental committees and community organizations. She also serves on the National Association of County’s (NACo) Justice and Public Safety Policy Steering Committee and was part of the NACo-NSA Joint Task Force on Pre-Trial Detainee Health Care in Jails.
Janet’s faith plays a crucial role in her life. As a member of Calvary Episcopal Church for more than 30 years, she currently services on the Diocesan Council for the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
An avid horse rider from age eight, her equine involvement, her prominence in showing American Saddlebred horses, and her dedication as the decades-long organizer of the Calvary Episcopal Charity Horse Show in Columbia led to her induction in the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show Hall of Fame. Janet is a life member of the United States Equestrian Federation, the American Saddlebred Horse Association, the Missouri Horse Shows Association and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Saddlebred Versatility Association.
Janet’s faith plays a crucial role in her life. As a member of Calvary Episcopal Church for more than 30 years, she currently services on the Diocesan Council for the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
An avid horse rider from age eight, her equine involvement, her prominence in showing American Saddlebred horses, and her dedication as the decades-long organizer of the Calvary Episcopal Charity Horse Show in Columbia led to her induction in the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show Hall of Fame. Janet is a life member of the United States Equestrian Federation, the American Saddlebred Horse Association, the Missouri Horse Shows Association and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Saddlebred Versatility Association.