Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Katherine (Kathy) Keefe, Circuit Clerk for McHenry County, Illinois, where she oversees an office of 53 Deputy Clerks.
Prior to being elected Circuit Clerk in 2008, Kathy had worked in the McHenry County Circuit Clerk’s office for 21 years. She served in variety of roles, including developing the office’s accounting system and later serving as Chief Deputy.
Kathy was a member of the Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) from 2018 through 2025, and currently serves on the IJC’s Remote Access Task Force. She is a member of the Illinois Supreme Court’s E-Business Policy Advisory Board and the Illinois Judicial College’s Committee on Circuit Clerk Education, serving as Chair of the Committee from 2021 through 2023. Kathy is also Chairman of the Northeast Illinois Circuit Clerk’s Association – Zone 5.
What qualities are most important for professionalism in your role?
Some important qualities for a successful Circuit Clerk are integrity, attention to detail, communication, and adaptability.
Integrity is essential because the Circuit Clerk’s office is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive court information. We must remain impartial and consistently apply the rules and statutes equally to all parties.
Attention to detail is equally important. Accuracy, organization, and careful case management are critical to ensuring the judicial process operates efficiently.
Professional communication skills are another key component. I lead a staff of 53 employees, and our office serves a high volume of internal and external customers every day. Clear, respectful, and timely communication with staff, our justice partners, attorneys, litigants, and the public is key to making the courts run smoothly.
Finally, adaptability is vital. Circuit Clerks have experienced significant changes in technology, court procedures, and statutes in recent years. The ability to adapt to these changes is essential to serving the public effectively and maintaining the integrity of the court system.
From your perspective, what are some challenges facing legal professionals today?
As a non-lawyer who has worked alongside attorneys and judges every day for nearly 39 years, I would say the biggest challenge facing lawyers today is keeping pace with rapidly changing technology.
From the Circuit Clerk’s perspective, advancements in court technology have transformed how cases are filed, managed, and accessed. While these changes have created significant efficiencies, they have also required attorneys to continually learn new software, electronic filing systems, and evolving court procedures. For some, keeping up with these changes can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Despite these challenges, embracing technology is essential. Many of the software improvements implemented by the Circuit Clerk’s office have streamlined processes, improved access to information, and increased efficiency for attorneys and their staff.
Those who adapt to these changes are better positioned to serve their clients effectively, manage workload efficiently, and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven legal environment.
McHenry County has implemented many technology-driven improvements under your leadership. How have those changes helped make the courts more accessible and efficient for the public?
We were among the first Circuit Clerk’s offices in Illinois to provide online case information, allowing court users to access case details without visiting the courthouse. We also implemented an electronic process for receiving an emergency order of protection, online payment options, and an Attorney Access Portal, which offers attorneys access to case documents and helps manage court schedules.
In the next months, we are planning to launch a Self-Represented Litigant Portal, which will afford court patrons without attorneys the same access to their case file as attorneys.
These advancements have significantly improved attorney and public access to the court system while also increasing operational efficiency in the office. Electronic filing and the elimination of paper files have streamlined workflows and reduced costs.
Court clerks are often a first point of contact for people navigating the legal system. What role does empathy play in that work?
We regularly train staff to understand that most customers are not happy to be at the courthouse. Listening patiently and explaining steps clearly can help them feel less confused.
Empathy does not mean bending the rules, but it does mean treating every person with dignity and respect, no matter why they are in court, which is always the goal in my office.
We often remind staff that the Circuit Clerk is the “face” of the court system, and for some [court users], their interaction with the Circuit Clerk will be their only experience with the justice system. We take that role seriously and try to put ourselves in their situation, offering as much “legal information” as we can.
The Supreme Court’s Safe Harbor Policy provides clear guidance to Circuit Clerks and staff about the assistance we can provide. I believe this policy has expanded the information Circuit Clerks provide to pro se litigants, truly improving access to justice in the Illinois Courts.
What do you do for fun?
My husband is a recently retired fireman, and we love to travel and spend as much time as possible with our family. Our greatest joy these days is our 2-year-old granddaughter, and we are excited to welcome a new grandson arriving in September.
Before becoming grandparents, we loved traveling throughout Europe, but since our granddaughter arrived, our travel plans have centered more around the beach and Disney World.
When we are at home, we stay busy working on our 150-year-old house near the Woodstock Square, where there is always another project waiting for us.Staying up to date on issues impacting the legal profession is vital to your success. Subscribe here to get the Commission’s weekly news delivered to your inbox.
Professionalism Spotlight: Michelle Sanders, Macon County Public Defender’s Office
2Civility is the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s communication channel. “2” because we are fostering transformation; “Civility” because it’s the moral code that binds us together, encouraging a productive exchange of perspectives that advances the ideals of the legal profession.