Setting the Bar High: Kentucky’s Top Justices and Judges Rally For the Bar Foundation

Posted: Sep, 06 2024

The Kentucky Bar Foundation recently achieved a significant milestone, successfully meeting a $20,000 anonymous challenge (until it was achieved!) to secure Life Fellow status for all Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals judges. This accomplishment underscores the deep-rooted tradition of judicial support for the Foundation, which has been a cornerstone of its success for decades. The anonymous challenge issued by a longtime KBF supporter, Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter, was met with enthusiasm from the state's highest-ranking jurists, demonstrating their commitment to the Foundation's mission of improving the administration of justice and increasing public understanding of the judicial system.

 The overwhelming response from Kentucky's judiciary serves as a powerful example for others in the legal community. By becoming Life Fellows, these esteemed judges have not only contributed financially but have also reaffirmed their dedication to the Foundation's vital work. This support enables the Kentucky Bar Foundation to continue funding crucial programs that provide legal services to underserved populations, promote legal education, and enhance the overall quality of justice in the Commonwealth. As the Foundation looks to the future, it hopes this display of solidarity from the judiciary will inspire judges at all levels, attorneys, law firms, and other legal professionals to join in supporting its important initiatives, ensuring that access to justice remains a reality for all Kentuckians.

 Expressing gratitude for this achievement, Susan Duncan, Executive Director of the Kentucky Bar Foundation, stated, "We are profoundly thankful to the Chief Justice for issuing this anonymous challenge and to all our Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals judges for stepping up to meet it. Their generosity and commitment to becoming Life Fellows not only strengthens our ability to fund grants but also sends a powerful message about the importance of our work."

 To become a Life Fellow visit kybarfoundation.org or email Susan Duncan at sduncan@kybar.org.