MISSOURI STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER SYSTEM Director’s Office

Woodrail Centre 1000 West Nifong, Building 7, Suite 100
Columbia, Missouri 65203
Telephone: 573-526-5212 Fax: 573-777-9975

Press Release – For Immediate Release

Missouri State Public Defender Announces Return of Veteran Attorneys

July 31, 2018 (COLUMBIA, MO)—The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) has appointed Kathryn Benson as District Defender and George Batek as a Senior Public Defender in the Fulton trial office, which covers Callaway, Audrain and Montgomery Counties. These long serving attorneys will be returning to the Missouri State Public Defender System after 14 years operating Batek & Benson, a successful law practice in Columbia.

Kathryn Benson grew up in Columbia, Missouri. She attended the University of Missouri—Columbia for both her undergraduate degree and law school. Benson began as a clerk practicing law at the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, before working as an Assistant Public Defender, which she did for close to 10 years. Benson commented, “Throughout my career I have focused on criminal defense, and for a large part of it, indigent criminal defense. I am dedicated to continuing the pursuit of justice in this area.”

George Batek graduated from the University of Missouri Law School and began his legal career as a Public Defender, first in the Farmington office and later in both the Columbia and Fulton offices. After more than 10 years with MSPD, he went into private practice with Benson. Batek was awarded the 2016 Outstanding Service Award by the Boone County Bar Association. On returning Batek stated, “My family runs back over 100+ years in Callaway County so I guess I am coming home.”

“I could not be more excited to have these two veteran, well respected attorneys rejoin the public defender system,” said Michael Barrett, Director of the Missouri State Public Defender System.

For questions regarding this information, please contact:

Michael Barrett, Director
Missouri Public Defender System
Phone: 573-526-5212
Email: Michael.Barrett@mspd.mo.gov