After graduating from Mizzou Law in 2021, and prior to taking the Missouri BAR Exam, Braxton began his legal career by diving headfirst into the most serious cases our legal system has to offer. Only four days after graduation, Braxton was cross examining witnesses in a first-degree murder preliminary hearing under Rule Thirteen Certification while simultaneously studying for the Missouri BAR. After passing the Missouri BAR, Braxton chose to forgo the formal Missouri Supreme Court swearing in ceremony because he was busy preparing for depositions in a separate first-degree murder case. Instead of being sworn in at the Missouri Capitol along with his fellow law school classmates, Braxton was sworn into the practice of law, out of necessity, by the court reporter on the official record of a first-degree murder deposition.
The first case Braxton filed as a licensed attorney was a felony probation revocation where his client faced the possibility of four years in prison. Braxton’s client had fired her previous attorney because he was unable to provide her with a satisfactory offer. Knowing the prosecutor would be unwilling to negotiate a reasonable disposition considering a well-respected and experienced attorney had already tried, Braxton accepted the challenge. Instead of furthering negotiations, Braxton studied the law, found a sole legal issue which was worthy of argument, filed a motion to dismiss, and was successful on that motion. The prosecutor appealed, and Braxton battled the case in the Southern District Court of Appeals as well as the Missouri Supreme Court and prevailed at both levels. Braxton’s first client was released, and Braxton saved her from several years of incarceration because he was willing to fight the case all the way to Missouri’s highest court.
Most attorneys never get the opportunity to participate in a first-degree murder trial, and Braxton was actively involved in two such cases only days after his graduation. Likewise, most attorneys will never get to make arguments to the Missouri Southern District Court of Appeals or the Missouri Supreme Court, and even fewer will prevail. Braxton was successful at both levels in the first case he filed as a licensed attorney. These examples represent only the beginning of Braxton’s career, and it was this early experience which set the tone for Braxton’s success as a legal professional. Much more lies ahead if you choose to retain Braxton as your attorney. Trust you will be in good hands.
