Jurgens v. Ram Leather Care

SHANGLER, Judge.

The action commenced as a pro se petition in the small claims court by Jurgens against former employer Ram Leather Care for $500 unpaid wages and vacation pay. The defendant Ram Leather responded with a counterclaim in excess of the small claims court jurisdiction [§ 478.225, RSMo Supp.1984] and was certified by that tribunal to the circuit court [Rule 145.06]. The presiding judge of the circuit court assigned the case to Associate Circuit Judge Stitt, in lieu of a circuit judge. The plaintiff then engaged counsel and amended her petition to enlarge the claim, and applied for…