April 17-21 is Court Staff Appreciation Week

Across the state, Missouri’s court clerks serve as a liaison between the courts and the public. On a daily basis, they help maintain accurate court records, summon jurors, and issue orders. 

This April 17-21, the Supreme Court of Missouri, in coordination with The Missouri Bar, is asking lawyers to show an extra level of appreciation toward the court clerks and staff in their lives.  

“No matter where you practice, I’m sure you can agree that the court clerks and staff across our state are a key part of our legal system,” said Lauren Tucker McCubbin, 2022-23 Missouri Bar president. 

In recent months, clerks and staff have also been asked to adapt to a variety of changes, from virtual hearings post-pandemic to expungement changes under Amendment 3 and the forthcoming expansion of remote public access to court records. 

“The work they do is difficult, often taxing, and it requires them to handle a high volume of work without ever losing the compassion needed to serve their communities one case at a time.” said Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice Paul Wilson of Missouri’s court personnel during his 2023 State of the Judiciary remarks on Feb. 8. 

Tucker McCubbin notes there are many ways to offer special thanks to clerks and staff, including sending personal notes of appreciation or surprising them with a sweet treat.  

“For all the work they do to support us, these efforts are the least we can do in return,” Tucker McCubbin said.