ST. LOUIS – Circuit Judge Paula P. Bryant has earned the Theodore McMillian award from St. Louis University’s Black Law Students Association.

She was selected for her mentorship of law students over the past two decades including hosting summer interns in her courtroom. The award also recognizes Bryant’s role in overseeing cases in the Circuit Attorney’s Office’s diversion program.

McMillian (1919-2006) was the state’s first Black state prosecutor and became Missouri’s first Black circuit judge in 1956. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed McMillian to the Eighth Circuit bench of the U.S. Appellate Court – the first Black person to hold that position.

Also this month, Bryant’s clerk, Germiya Clark (left) was named student of the year by the SLU Law School’s student bar association. The award recognizes a law student involved in one or more student organizations or activities on campus, who contributes to an engaging and open atmosphere in and outside class and also exemplifies the law school’s mission of leadership and service to others.