Theresa Counts Burke at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Missouri · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Theresa Counts Burke
Biography
Professional career
- Selected as a circuit judge in Missouri’s 22nd Judicial Circuit on July 27, 2017, by Governor Eric Greitens, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of John J. Riley, after previously serving as an associate circuit judge and a provisional judge for the Municipal Court of the City of St. Louis from 2001 to 2008
- She has also worked in private legal practice for 20 years and held the role of an adjunct professor for Fontbonne University’s OPTIONS program — 2007–2012
- Judge, Missouri 18th Judicial Circuit Court
Education
- Bachelor’s degree — Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
- Saint Louis University School of Law — J.D.
Additional information
- Judge Burke has successfully retained her position in multiple elections
- Over her career, Judge Burke has was awarded a variety of judicial assignments, most recently serving in family court
- She also co-created a training program for court clerks and frequently speaks to civic and professional organizations, including participation in Read Across America
- Her educational background laid the foundation for her extensive legal and judicial career
- Judge Burke was born in Granite City, Illinois
- Judge Burke is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Circuit Judge’s Association, the Women Lawyer’s Association, and the American Bar Association
- She also serves on the Missouri Supreme Court Civic Education Committee and chairs the 22nd Judicial Circuit Weighted Workload Committee
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Media Equipment Advance Approval
Statewide
Missouri Court Operating Rule 16 requires advance approval for media equipment used for courtroom coverage and allows the judge to control the number and setup of media personnel and equipment.
Failure to obtain advance approval for equipment may preclude its use in the proceeding.Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗
Device Use In Courtroom
Statewide
Missouri courtroom device use for media coverage is not generally permitted unless authorized by the operating rule, a local court rule, or the judge presiding in the proceeding.
No person may use any device capable of media coverage in a courtroom or court clerk's office unless specifically authorizedMissouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
Missouri allows limited video and audio recording for media coverage under COR 16 technical limits, subject to judicial approval and courtroom controls.
Not more than one videographer, using a single device, shall be permitted in the courtroom during a judicial proceeding at any time.Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical
Missouri 18th Judicial Circuit Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 26, 2026.
Missouri Secretary of State Official Manual official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Missouri Secretary of State Official Manual official judicial roster ↗Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗