Judge Victor J. Melenbrink: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. Victor J. Melenbrink is a circuit judge for the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court (Division 5) of Missouri. He was elected to the bench on November 8, 2016.

The 23rd Judicial Circuit Court includes Jefferson County.

Prior to his election, Melenbrink served as a municipal prosecutor for the Jefferson County Municipal Court (2011 to 2016). Before that, he was an assistant county counselor with the St. Louis County Counselor’s Office (2008 to 2011) and a Missouri assistant attorney general (2005 to 2007).

In between his stints in the public sector, Melenbrink practiced for one year at The Schnaare Law Firm (2007 to 2008). His practice included real estate disputes and estate planning. Melenbrink also served as a Guardian ad Litem for children involved in custody dispute cases. In addition, he taught as an adjunct professor at the Law Enforcement Academy at Jefferson College.

Melenbrink received a B.S. in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2002. He went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Missouri School of Law in 2005.

He served as a board secretary for Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County.

Melenbrink grew up in High Ridge and attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School. He is an Eagle Scout. Melenbrink resides in Arnold, Missouri, with his wife, Andrea, and their three children. The family belongs to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Imperial. When not presiding over legal matters, he enjoys backpacking with his family, playing board games, repairing computers, and playing fantasy football.

He is registered as a Republican.