I think a leader has to have intellectual horsepower and agility; the ability to roll with the punches and keep moving in a direction and create integrity. I think that is key for leadership. I think leaders have to have compassion. Also, to be a good leader you have to be very results oriented too. You have to get things done. I’ve seen people, I’ve had people in my office that have a lot of great qualities, but if they can’t produce a product or get something done, accomplished, then that’s not exactly effective leadership.-Jennifer Joyce (56 secs.)

Jennifer M. Joyce is the Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis, a position she has held since January 1, 2001. As Circuit Attorney she leads an office of over 150 attorneys, investigators and clerical staff. The office prosecutes approximately 4,500 felonies and 7,500 misdemeanors per year. Prior to her election as Circuit Attorney, Ms. Joyce served as an Assistant Circuit Attorney from 1994 to 2001. She has personally prosecuted more than 700 felony cases in virtually every criminal area including rape, child abuse, assault, armed robbery, car theft, drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Prior to her work at the Circuit Attorney’s Office, Ms. Joyce practiced law at Peper, Martin, Jensen, Maichel and Hetlage (now Husch, Blackwell, Sanders). A life long resident of the City of St. Louis, Ms. Joyce graduated from St. Louis University School of Law. She is an active member of many civic and professional organizations including the Missouri Bar Board of Governors, the National District Attorneys Association, and the Backstoppers’ Board of Directors. She currently serves as Past President of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.