Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has been recognized for her influential role in the legal sphere, securing this year's Missouri Lawyers Media’s Influential Lawyer award. The accolade is well-timed—Hanaway's leadership sees the Attorney General's Office pushing for robust defense of state laws and public safety, a drive reflected in the work of her team.
Among those in her team is Assistant Attorney General Wensdai Brooks, who herself is no stranger to recognition. Having joined the Criminal Appeals Section back in 2023, Brooks carries with her the honors of the 2024 Up-and-Coming Award and the 2023 Women’s Justice Leaders of Tomorrow Award, with her recent win being the Missouri Lawyers Media’s 2026 Influential Appellate Advocates award. Her focus on defending felony convictions, especially concerning violent and repeat offenders, won her this prestige. In a statement obtained by the Attorney General's Office, Hanaway praised Brooks, saying, "We are proud of Wensdai’s firm commitment to public service and the important work she does to make certain that criminal convictions can be viewed with confidence and dangerous criminals remain behind bars."
The significance of the Criminal Appeals Section—to not just uphold Missouri’s laws but also respect constitutional rights—is not lost on Hanaway nor her team. Through the spirited defense of felony convictions, they aim to ensure that the public can rely on the judiciary's work and that their safety is not compromised by the premature release of those posing a threat to society.
Welcoming her award, Hanaway articulated a commitment that extends beyond legal boundaries, addressing every Missourian: "I was honored to receive the Missouri Lawyers Media’s award," she told the Attorney General's Office, "I am proud to serve not just Missouri, but every Missourian as Attorney General." It's a sentiment mirrored in the congratulatory tones sounded by the Office to Brooks, appreciative of the tireless dedication she has been bringing to her role in public safety.
