Clerk Spyropoulos Shares Progress Report Outlining Achievements in Officewide Reform and Modernization

Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos
Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos

Clerk Spyropoulos Shares Progress Report Outlining Achievements in Officewide Reform and Modernization

COOK COUNTY – Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos shared her Progress Report outlining achievements in her sweeping efforts to modernize the Clerk’s Office and restore public trust in one of Cook County’s most essential government agencies. Since taking office, Clerk Spyropoulos has moved swiftly to implement a reform agenda focused on transparency, accountability and accessibility, setting a new standard for how government serves its residents.

“Cook County residents deserve a justice system that is modern, fair and easy to navigate,” said Clerk Spyropoulos. “From day one, I’ve focused on building an office grounded in integrity, driven by data and committed to service. These initiatives are just the beginning.”

To promote transparency, the Clerk launched the office’s first-ever public-facing data dashboard, providing residents with direct access to case filing statistics dating back to 2020. The dashboard allows users to filter data by court division, location or type of law, giving the public meaningful insight into court operations for the first time. A new Public Access Director position has also been established to ensure stronger compliance with open records laws. Internally, the employee handbook has been rewritten to provide clear, consistent policies that foster ethical behavior, promote professionalism and reinforce expectations across the workforce.

Accountability has also been a central focus. Clerk Spyropoulos appointed an independent Inspector General with expanded oversight authority and implemented a new ethics policy alongside training and reporting hotlines for both the public and staff. These actions are part of a broader effort to rebuild internal controls and professional standards. After uncovering serious financial management issues, including unsecured cash handling and misapplied funds totaling in the millions, the Clerk brought in external auditors and instituted strict security and financial protocols to safeguard more than $100 million in annual transactions.

Community engagement and service improvement remain cornerstones of the Clerk’s strategy. A countywide customer service survey was launched to capture resident feedback and identify areas for reform. All staff, including the executive team and the Clerk herself, have completed new in-house customer service training designed to raise the bar for professionalism and public interaction.

To make the office more accessible, Clerk Spyropoulos has begun expanding language services through Language Line’s real-time interpretation. In addition, the Clerk made the website available in 50 languages. The Online Records Center now provides easier public access to archived files, court documents and data requests. This spring, the office held a successful Amnesty Week initiative waiving collection fees on eligible traffic violations to help residents pay off outstanding debts without additional penalties.

The Clerk also introduced a mobile application that offers streamlined access to services such as court locations, online payments, case searches and e-filing support. In the coming weeks, the office will roll out new eCitation and Defendant Access processes, enabling residents to manage their traffic cases online by paying fines, entering pleas or scheduling court dates without having to appear in person.

Finally, the Clerk’s commitment to improving the in-person experience is being reflected in facility upgrades, including new ticketing systems, digital signage and uniformed staff, part of a broader reimagining of what respectful, effective public service should look like.

These reforms represent the foundation of a long-term vision to build a court system that is more responsive, equitable and accountable to the people it serves. Clerk Spyropoulos remains committed to advancing these efforts in collaboration with the residents of Cook County and continuing to deliver on the promise of good government.


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