Biography

Judge Jeffrey C KealJudge Jeffrey C. Keal was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge of Division 28 in Independence by Governor Jay Nixon on November 5, 2013.  Prior to his appointment, Judge Keal was a 22-year-veteran of the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.  He joined the Prosecutor’s office in 1991, and became a trial team leader in 1998.  During his 22 year tenure with the office, he handled white collar and property crimes.
 
Judge Keal worked in private practice for five years prior to joining the Prosecutor’s Office.    He was employed with the law firm of Crews, Smart, Whitehead & Waits from 1988 – 1991, and was a solo practitioner from 1986 – 1988.
 
He obtained his J.D. Degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 1986, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from UMKC in 1983.  He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Association for Women Lawyers and the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association.
 
Judge Keal is very involved with the community and he spent many years coaching youth sports, including softball, basketball and baseball in Kansas City, Independence and Blue Springs.  He has been a member of the Blue Springs South Booster Club, Firefighters Local Number 42 and he curls at the Kansas City Curling Club.
 
He is a proud graduate of Van Horn High School in Independence and he is a lifetime member of BCAS.