Inside Cook County’s Circuit Court: Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos on Transparency, Access, and Year One (an interview with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County)

On March 12, 2026, Senior Editor Rachel Still sat down with Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Mariyana Spyropoulos. In this episode of The Podvocate, we sit down with Clerk Spyropoulos to discuss her first year leading one of the largest court systems in the country. She breaks down the often-overlooked role of the clerk’s office as the “front door” to the legal system, managing everything from case intake to critical data reporting and coordination with judges, attorneys, and law enforcement. Clerk Spyropoulos reflects on her early priorities—transparency, accountability, and accessibility—and the concrete reforms implemented to modernize operations, including new customer feedback systems, internal process audits, and expanded language access. The conversation also explores broader access-to-justice challenges, particularly for individuals navigating a complex and emotionally taxing court system without legal representation. Clerk Spyropoulos highlights the importance of balancing technological innovation, including potential uses of AI, with the human element essential to public service. She also discusses the role of public trust, community outreach, and civic engagement in strengthening the legal system. Ultimately, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how administrative leadership shapes the everyday functioning—and fairness—of the courts. If you're interested in this week's topic, please check out these resources: https://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/people/MariyanaT.Spyropoulos https://www.injusticewatch.org/topics/judges/judicial-elections/