Overview
Join the Eighth Circuit Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association - St. Louis Chapter on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, for “Perspectives on Appellate Practice in the Eighth Circuit." The panel discussion will feature Judge Ralph Erickson, Clerk of Court Susan Bindler, Career Staff Attorney Krista McCormack, and appellate practitioner Chuck Hatfield (Stinson LLP). It will explore best practices for practicing in the Eighth Circuit from these four unique perspectives.
The program is free for Eighth Circuit Bar Association members. Virtual and in-person attendance options available. Virtual attendance details will be circulated in advance of the program.
Panelists
Judge Erickson: Judge Ralph R. Erickson has been serving as a U.S. Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit since October 2017. Prior to his appointment to the Court of Appeals, he served as a U.S. District Judge in the District of North Dakota for 14 years ,and prior to that, he was a state court judge after 10 years in private practice. He is currently also serving as a board member for the Federal Judicial Center.
Susan Bindler: Susan Bindler is the Clerk of Court for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. She was appointed March 10, 2025. Prior to her appointment, she was a partner at Haar & Woods, LLP, in St. Louis, where she practiced law for twenty-seven years. She graduated Order of the Coif from Washington University School of Law and received an undergraduate degree from Duke University.
Krista McCormack: Krista McCormack is a Career Staff Attorney at the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. After graduating from Washington University School of Law, she worked as a litigation associate at Lewis Rice LLC and then as a law clerk for a United States district court.
Chuck Hatfield: Chuck Hatfield has been recognized three times as the Missouri Lawyer of the Year for his work in government relations litigation. A partner at Stinson, he frequently handles high-profile litigation at the appellate level, including before the Eighth Circuit. Prior to joining Stinson, he served as Chief of Staff and Counsel to the Missouri Attorney General.
CLE credit
CLE credit (pending) in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
