adversary and congenial colleague who achieved a standard of excellence that few can match .”
Not only will Keeley ’ s legacy live on through all the lawyers , litigants and defendants who came through her court but also through the many law clerks who worked with her . She typically had two full-time clerks , and as many as five interns during the summer and each school semester .
“ Throughout my 30 years on the bench , I have hired numerous law clerks , usually for two-year terms , and have tried to help them launch their legal careers following their clerkships ,” she says . “ Mentoring my clerks has been a privilege , and it has been memorable to watch them succeed in their respective careers .”
While it would be impossible to say where Keeley had the most impact , one area that certainly stands out is her work with defendants on supervision struggling with substance use . West Virginia has the highest overdose death rate in America , according to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . West Virginia ’ s drug mortality rate in 2020 was 81.4 people per 100,000 in population , compared to the second on the list , Kentucky , which experienced 49.2 overdose deaths per 100,000 .
During her time on the bench , Keeley regularly scheduled status conferences
with defendants with substance use issues under her supervision to follow their treatment and recovery progress . These one-on-one meetings were not a job requirement .
Mainly , Keeley wanted defendants under her supervision to succeed , and the key to their success was persuading them to view their parole officers as resources to help them reorient their thinking as they return to their communities .
“ We know that adjustment can be really hard , and our supervisees do not always know where to begin or what their goals should be ,” she says . “ My hope is that they will work hard to reconnect with their families , find employment and maintain their sobriety .”
However , achieving these goals takes hard work , and the opportunity to use drugs or commit new crimes with old friends can be very tempting .
“ My goal is that , by meeting with supervisees , I can help them to stay accountable and succeed ,” Keeley says . “ When defendants try to do the right thing and rebuild their lives , they have hope , their families are better and the community is safer .”
According to Keeley , the American justice system is the envy of the world , in large part , because of its transparency .
“ We do not conduct our proceedings in closed courtrooms away from public scrutiny and without explanation ,” she
says . “ Our judges are public servants who reach out to their communities to welcome the public into the courtroom to observe how the law works .”
In her free time , Keeley enjoys boating with her husband , Jack , and supporting the community .
“ We have sailed around different parts of Europe , New Zealand and the Caribbean ,” she says . “ We have also frequently chartered canal boats in France and England and have a bucket list of places yet to be visited .”
Keeley says she and her family believe it is very important to support the educational mission of WVU , especially its law school and medical school . They also strongly support their community ’ s United Way , local library and the arts communities .
“ West Virginia has been my home since I married my husband , and I thank God every day that I live here ,” she says . “ The legal community in our state is very collegial and supportive . I am proud to serve with such outstanding lawyers and judges .” •
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