Renowned local attorney Daniel T. Moore passed away Sunday morning, leaving a great loss to the legal community according to friends and former opponents alike.
“When he passed away, he still had a love of the law,” Attorney Stephen Walsh stated.
Walsh and Moore met in 1972 and attended law school together. They stayed close for 52 years and were partners for 15.
“Dan loved the law,” Walsh said, “He was probably the smartest lawyer I ever met.”
He recalled doing hundreds of jury trials with Moore to great success. Walsh estimated the pair won three-quarters of all the jury trials they tried.
“That’s unheard of,” he added.
Former Butler County prosecutor and current 36th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kacey Proctor said Moore was a formidable adversary in the courtroom. While he only faced him for one jury trial, the two met in countless hearings.
“Danny Moore was one of the greatest attorneys,” he remarked.
Proctor said Moore was quick on his feet and could speak even faster. He found any error in police reports or evidentiary issues.
“Danny had a huge impact on the way I handle myself,” Proctor stated.
He recalled having to look much closer and devote extra time to cases he knew Moore would defend. Proctor also said his meticulousness helped the Poplar Bluff Police Department become better and more thorough report writers.
Former chief of the Poplar Bluff Police Department Danny Whiteley said, “Any police officer always had Danny in the back of their mind, knowing you better not miss dotting an ‘i’ or crossing a ‘t.’ If he took the case it had to be perfect.”
Associate Circuit Judge for Ripley County Devin Kirby marveled at Moore’s ability to stay up-to-date on his craft.
“Dan really stayed on top of all the appeals cases and all the nuances of every issue,” he remarked, “He was a brilliant cross-examiner.”
Though competitive in the courtroom, Proctor added Moore was always willing to mentor other attorneys. When he moved back to Butler County, Proctor met with him to get advice from the esteemed lawyer. Moore offered a surprising piece of guidance: to wear sunscreen. Originally confused by the meaning of this statement, Proctor later came to realize Moore was emphasizing the importance of taking care of oneself personally and physically to be in the best shape to serve others.
Moore often biked to work and maintained a consistent exercise regimen, according to Proctor.
Kirby remembered trying dozens of cases against Moore when he was a private practicing attorney. While fierce and scrupulous, he said Moore was always courteous and professional to other lawyers. One of Moore’s sayings about maintaining positive relationships with others was, “It’s a tough job. No reason to make it tougher.”
Though trying many cases against each other, sometimes multiple times a day, Kirby often got lunch with Moore afterward. The pair later became friends.
“It was never personal,” he remarked.
Kirby said Moore was always available to help other lawyers with their cases.
Walsh explained under his gruff exterior, Moore had a heart of gold.
He remembered, “We laughed a great deal.”
Walsh also highlighted Moore’s quick wit and sharp sense of humor. “That was a great balance to the seriousness of our work.”
He emphasized his partner would also do whatever it took to help his clients.
“I miss him a great deal,” Walsh stated. “He was tireless.”
He asserted his former associate was one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the state.
“His attention to detail and work ethic inspired me to be a better lawyer,” Walsh added, “Our legal community lost a giant.”
Kirby echoed, “Our legal community suffered a big loss...We will miss his insight.”
“Danny Moore has been such a great friend and like a brother to me for 40 to 45-plus years,” Whiteley said, “Danny was the absolute perfect example of a dedicated family man and friend. He excelled at his work. He just did his job to the best of his ability as a defense attorney and undoubtedly was one of, if not the best, ever.”
“The practice of law will not be the same without him,” Proctor affirmed.