Sarah Ernst: The Face of Criminal Appeals
Growing up, people always told me that I’d be a good lawyer. I’d laugh, not knowing whether they were complimenting my intellect and work ethic or insulting me for being too passionate and argumentative.
Regardless, I took the sentiment to heart and considered the legal field. I attended Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, and studied both criminal justice and political science. As a freshman, I knew much of my time would be dedicated to my golf team, but I decided to try out for the mock trial team to test and grow my skills. The thrill of crafting legal arguments and the exhilaration of winning cases quickly eclipsed my love for golf, propelling me toward a more focused pursuit of legal studies. Upon graduation, I chose to follow my passion for criminal justice and trial advocacy, earning my juris doctorate from the University of Tulsa, College of Law in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
During law school, I interned at the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office where I worked on everything from drafting motions to assisting in jury trials. While working for the prosecutor, I was intrigued by the unique and vast backgrounds of each criminal defendant who crossed my path. I found myself invested in their stories and sympathetic to their situations. This exposure paved the way for me to intern on the criminal defense side of the justice system. By graduation, I had collected experiences and perspectives from both sides of the criminal justice system.
After passing the bar exam, I was hired as an assistant attorney general in the criminal appeals division and successfully argued to uphold convictions in all three of Missouri’s appellate courts.
These combined experiences gave me a unique advantage once I joined Silvey & Associates and began representing criminal defendants in both the circuit and appellate courts.
Navigating the appellate process is a daunting task, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. I’d be honored to work as your trusted ally in the pursuit of justice. With a deep understanding of Missouri’s legal intricacies, an ability to apply nuanced research, and an unwavering commitment to client advocacy, I promise to fight tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected, and you achieve the justice you deserve.
Sarah Ernst holds dual degrees in criminal justice
and political science. She has been a member of the Missouri Bar since 2020 and served as the assistant attorney general for the State of Missouri before joining Silvey & Associates.
Silvey & Associates: 510 Broadway St., JCMO
(573) 232-1884 | silveylegal.com