Hon. Ryan J. Helfrich is a circuit judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit Court (Division 2) of Missouri. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Mike Parson in 2021, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Isidore I. Lamke (Ret.).
The 20th Judicial Circuit Court includes Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage Counties.
Prior to his appointment, Helfrich was a partner at Helfrich, Hotz, Brandt, LLC (2009 to 2022). In addition to his practice there, he served as the municipal prosecutor for the City of Pacific since 2016.
Before founding the firm, he was an attorney at Hansen, Stierberger, Downard, Melenbrink & Schroeder, LLC (2006 to 2009). His areas of practice included criminal, civil, family, and estate planning matters. Helfrich also became certified to perform all civil and family law mediations in 2009. During that same time, he was the municipal prosecutor for the City of Union (2006 to 2009) and a substitute municipal prosecutor for the City of Sullivan (2006 to 2009).
He received a B.S. in community and regional planning from Missouri State University in 2003. Helfrich went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2006.
From a civic standpoint, Helfrich served as a youth athletic coach for the City of Eureka, City of Washington, and Four Rivers Area YMCA. He was also involved as a baseball, basketball, and soccer coach, as well as served as a certified basketball official.
At the time of his appointment, Helfrich resided in Washington, Missouri. He and his wife, Betsey, a fellow attorney, have two children. Helfrich attended Union High School.