Stephanie Klein sworn in as associate circuit judge Monday

SYCAMORE – Speaking to a courtroom full of people at the DeKalb County Courthouse on Monday, recently retired circuit judge Robbin Stuckert described Stephanie Klein as “just, unflappable, diligent, gracious and educated.”

“The first letter of those words spells ‘judge,’ and she has all the qualities of a good judge,” Stuckert said. “She exemplifies all of those traits.”

On Monday, Klein was sworn in as an associate judge of the 23rd Judicial Circuit. She worked as First Assistant State’s Attorney in the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office until December, when she opened her own private practice.

Klein is one of five associate judges who are appointed by eight circuit judges, who are all elected into office. Klein will serve a four-year term.

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Former DeKalb County First Assistant State's Attorney Stephanie P. Klein gets a hand with her robe from husband Robert after being sworn in as an associate judge of the 23rd Judicial Circuit Monday Aug. 9, 2021, at the DeKalb County Courthouse. (Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.com/Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.com)

Klein, who graduated from DePauw University in Indiana in 1996 and the University of Illinois’ College of Law in 1999, had a private legal practice and was the DeKalb County assistant state’s attorney for 20 years. Originally from DeKalb, Klein has been married to her husband, Rob, for 17 years and they have two daughters, Julia, 12, and Alyssa, 9.

Klein’s mom, Cherie Durfee-Smith, said that even as a child, her daughter had the characteristics of a good judge.

“I’d never let her argue with me because she’d always win,” Durfee-Smith said. “She has always been very logical and so well-prepared. While she was growing up, several of her teachers and family members told her that she talks just like an attorney, she should think about a career in law.”

Klein said she is looking forward to joining the bench and “doing work that helps the community.”

“I’m so humbled that the circuit judges would place this amount of trust in me, and I will work hard to fulfill the legal needs of the community as a judge,” she said.

Robert Pilmer, the chief judge of the 23rd Judicial Circuit, said Klein was chosen from 18 applicants for the role of associate judge.

“It was a tough choice, but she stood out among the rest,” Pilmer said. “She had the traits exemplified by judges, was well-prepared, knowledgeable and had a calm demeanor. I’m excited to have her join our ranks. A judge’s role is to serve the community, and I’m positive that she will make a good addition to the judiciary in the 23rd Circuit.”