Albert Riederer leaves lasting legacy of serving justice
Miriam PepperAlbert Riederer, 67, former Jackson County prosecutor and former Missouri Court of Appeals judge, died today, just a month after hundreds of friends and colleagues gathered to toast and warmly tease a man known for advocating justice, fighting crime and nurturing a cadre of talented lawyers.
During his 12-year tenure as Jackson County prosecutor, his assistants included an array of individuals who went on to leading community leadership roles, including U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, current judges and well-known prosecutors and defense attorneys.
The Uptown Theater event, hosted by his wife and Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Sandra Midkiff, included a video tribute from well-known lawyers telling tales on Riederer, funny and fondly, before cancer ended his life.
The party offered a way for many to say good-bye, letting Riederer hear and see how much his influence on the legal community mattered.
Earlier this month, the Jackson County Legislator Scott Burnett said the Jackson County Criminal Justice Center would be renamed in Riederer’s honor, reflecting appreciation for his commitment to serve justice, above any concern about racking up convictions.
This community benefited from Riederer’s passion and compassion. His legacy lives in the lessons he taught so many others: Integrity and justice trump any win-loss tally.
Phil Cardarella
5 months, 3 weeks agoAlbert was one of the good guys.
The country is full of prosecutors who have sought to exploit their position for political gain. Albert really did care about right and wrong — and that is the highest complement you can pay to a prosecutor, judge or lawyer.