Court Administration

The Office of Court Administration plays a role in supporting the judiciary's daily operations, ensuring efficient and effective court management. These services include managing personnel and payroll, overseeing the court’s budget—including purchasing and accounts payable—coordinating courtroom technology, assigning court reporters, handling jury management, and providing interpreter services. Additionally, the Office oversees various programs aimed at addressing issues that affect the court and the community.

Led by Court Administrator Erik T. Theis under the direction of the Presiding Judge and Court en Banc, the Office of Court Administration is responsible for strategic planning, analyzing caseload data, developing policies, implementing court programs, managing grants and contracts, overseeing public and media relations, and serving as a liaison between the judiciary and various public and private organizations.

Mr. Theis has served as the Court Administrator for the Twenty-Ninth Judicial Circuit since 2015, bringing 30 years of experience within the judicial and executive branches of government. He holds an undergraduate degree from Emporia State University and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Mr. Theis is a Certified Court Manager through the National Center for State Courts and a faculty member of the Missouri Court Management Institute.

Erik T. Theis, MPA, CCM
Court Administrator

Office of Court Administration
Jasper County Courts Building
633 South Pearl Ave
Joplin, Missouri 64801
Phone: (417) 625-2751
Email: Erik.Theis@courts.mo.gov