Judge Keith W. Kornahrens was born in North Charleston, South Carolina, in 1950. He graduated from St. Andrews High School in 1968. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing in December 1971. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1975.

Judge Kornahrens was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in November, 1975. He began the private practice of law in North Charleston in the same year. He served as Municipal Judge for the City of Hanahan from 1990 through 1994. He is also a former member of the Charleston County Board of Variances. He was elected Berkeley County Probate Judge in November, 2002.

Judge Kornahrens married the former Erma Lee of Olanta, South Carolina in 1972. They have two children, K. Wade Kornahrens, Jr. and M. Lee Kornahrens, ages 24 and 21. They attend Northwood Assembly Church. He enjoys golf and hunting.