Bench & Bar January/February 2026

out the YLD’s recent social media posts to learn more about taking advantage of this new program to become a Life Fellow. Additionally, in February 2026, the KBF and YLD will be partnering on an initia tive called “Honoring a Colleague/Mentor” with the goal of raising $500. For just $10, you can nominate a mentor or person who has impacted you and they will receive a note from the KBF about your nomination. We’ve made it easy to complete—so be sure to check on the YLD’s social media page in February to find the questionnaire and QR code to honor someone who has helped you. BECOME INVOLVED IN YOUR LOCAL BAR. Besides the KBA and YLD, there are numerous robust local bars across the Commonwealth that have leadership opportunities for young lawyers. Reach out to your local bar representatives to learn more—and if your county doesn’t have a local bar and/or it has been inactive for any reason over the years, take the charge and re-invigorate it! It is important for us to cultivate and support lawyers within our localities—who are often mentors, friends, and referral sources. ….….….….….….….….….…. These are just some of the many ways you can be of service to the YLD. But, even if it’s not bar service – pick a passion to devote/ donate time to outside of our profession. 7 Volunteer for a non-profit board or orga nization. Take up a hobby—whether it is walking, woodworking, or watercolors— taking time away from your practice to serve others and take care of yourself, which will make you a better lawyer. It is human to have doubt and stand still with inaction when faced with the questions that arise from that doubt. But, I hope you each know that you have talents to give and experiences that can share to make the YLD, your local Bars, or any organization in which you participate better. I am proud to be the chair of the YLD but look forward to seeing the leaders who will come behind me and make our bar event better. But the path to service and leadership is only luminated when one steps forward and says, “here am I, send me.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR KYLE R. BUNNELL is the chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the KBA and is also

ENDNOTES 1 There are seven district representatives on the YLD Executive Committee that correspond with the Commonwealth’s Supreme Court Dis tricts. Nomination forms will be available on the YLD website and will close on February 20, 2026. You can obtain the form at the link below or by visiting the YLD website. Ballots will be emailed in March/April 2026 and will remain open for two weeks. https://kybar. org/Portals/0/CLE/Seminar%20Materials/ YLD%20Page/YLD_Nom_Form_Jan_2024.pd f?ver=6qTK6QqTxBU74cbLzz_vPQ%3d%3d 2 The YLD Chair nominates for appointment 14 at-large representatives to the YLD’s Executive Committee. Please contact YLD Chair Elect, Christine Stanley at YLDChairElect@kybar.org if you are interested in an At-Large Appoint ment to the 2026-2027 YLD Executive Com mittee. 3 Information about the KBA’s Sections and Committees can be found at: https://kybar.org/ About-Us/About-the-Kentucky-Bar-Associa tion/Get-Involved/Sections 4 See Kentucky Lantern, May 22, 2025 Com mentary, available at: https://kentuckylantern. com/2025/05/22/1-in-5-kentucky-kids-faces hunger-congress-is-considering-a-plan-that would-make-it-worse/ 5 More information about Kentucky Legal Aid can be found at: https://www.kycourts.gov/Le gal-Help/Pages/default.aspx 6 More information about Kentucky’s Access for Justice initiatives—including the Legal Help Center—can be found at: https://www.kycourts. gov/Legal-Help/Pages/default.aspx 7 A common pitfall for young lawyers especial ly is to become a board member just to add a line to your resume or because someone in your office is rolling off and wants the firm to stay in volved. Before saying yes, be introspective and ask if you have a passion for the board’s mission and purpose. If you don’t, you may find it diffi cult to devote your time and energy to being a strong board member. a member of the KBA’s Publication Com mittee. He is an attorney in the Lexington office of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP where he focuses his practice on complex commer cial litigation, as well as bad faith insurance, equine law, and product liability. In addi tion to his bar service, Kyle is active in the community. He is the vice-chair of the Uni versity of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law Alumni Association and serves on the board of the Children’s Law Center.

From left to right, Zach Smith, Jacque Mayer, and Aaron Osborne showcase the new YLD merchan dise. For details, visit www.kybar.org and select “YLD” on the homepage.

and often direct patrons to forms that can then be completed by the patron—and more importantly provide a listening ear. Kentucky’s Legal Help Centers are open at dedicated times during the week. 6 If you are interested in volunteering at one of the Legal Help Centers, please contact the Executive Director, Glenda Harrison (glenda.harrison@kyaccessforjusticecom mission.org) or Associate Director, Nan Hanley (glenda.harrison@kyaccessforjus ticecommission.org)–who along with Sylvia Lovely—are the amazing individuals that make these Help Centers possible. SUPPORT THE KENTUCKY BAR FOUNDATION AND ITS NEW INITIATIVES WITH THE YLD. The YLD is excited to announce that it is partnering with the Kentucky Bar Foun dation (“KBF”), the charitable arm of the KBA, to offer some exciting new programs. Last year, the KBF provided a record-break ing $311,910 in grants to organizations that help further the public’s understanding of the judicial system and the legal profession through programs and philanthropic part nerships that help those in need. The KBF cannot support these many deserving orga nizations without the help of donors. One of its keystone initiatives to obtain dona tions is through the Life Fellow program. Recently, the KBF and YLD partnered to offer a new Life Fellow option specifically for YLD Members. YLD Members will be eligible to become KBF fellows for only $1,000, which can be paid in one sum or $200 a year over five (5) years. Please check

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