Lawyer Experience Leading to Judge

Meet Judge Katie

As a Lawyer

As a lawyer, I had the experience of practicing for almost 10 years before being appointed District Judge. I have always loved being in the courtroom, and knew, even as a law student, that I wanted to work in the courtroom as opposed to spending most of the time working in an office behind a desk.

I had the privilege of practicing in many different courts over the years and studying many different judges. I practiced in the courts of more than 16 counties – both District and Circuit Courts, as well as our Kentucky Court of Appeals and our Kentucky Supreme Court. I also practiced in our Federal Court for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.  I learned from many different judges who I greatly admire and respect.

I had the opportunity to be regularly involved in many legal education and training conferences – from legal education seminars to intensive training colleges – both in and outside of Kentucky. Over the years, I had the opportunity to be the presenter for several legal education conferences.

As a lawyer I also had the experience of being involved in many different types of cases and worked with many people. Working with people over the years, offered me incredible insight – whether they were  client(s), witnesses, or others involved. It is important, as a judge, to be able to understand people – all people involved in the case. It is important to determine their circumstances, their history, as well as the legal significance of the matters which come before the court. This experience was invaluable, as it is a necessary function of my continuing to be a good judge.

In addition to working with so many different people over the years, I also had the experience of being involved in many different types of cases. I was  involved in both criminal and civil actions. I was  involved in actions at our county level, our state level, as well federal.  I handled cases which were not before a court at all, but were, instead, administrative in nature. Over the years, I  also had the opportunity to personally visit and work with agencies who play a role with our judicial system from our schools, state & federal agencies, mental health facilities, to our county jails and state and federal prisons. It is important that our court continues to serve us well. It is also important that our community, our judicial district, continue to be well represented and to exceptionally represent our Commonwealth.