Bench & Bar January/February 2026

BAR NEWS

James Lambert TO RETIRE FROM COURT OF APPEALS AFTER NEARLY TWO DECADES JUDGE

BY JAMIE NEAL , COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS

K entucky Court of Appeals Judge James H. Lambert stepped down from the bench on Jan. 31 after 18 years. “Serving on the Court of Appeals for the past two decades has been the honor of my professional life,” Judge Lambert said in his retirement letter. “The integrity and class of the judges and employees of the Court of Appeals is second to none, and I have enjoyed working with them on the import ant work our appellate court is called to do for the people of Kentucky.” He also thanked the people of the 25 counties in the 3 rd Appellate District from which he was elected. He was first elected in November 2006 and served the district’s Division 2. “As chief judge, I have had the privilege of serving with Judge James Lambert and witnessing firsthand his commitment to fairness, professionalism and public ser vice,” Chief Court of Appeals Judge Larry E. Thompson said. “His thoughtful judgment and steady leadership have strengthened the Court of Appeals, and his contributions will leave a legacy. The Court of Appeals is better because of his 18 years of dedicated service.” Judge Lambert entered private law practice after being admitted to the Kentucky Bar

COURT OF APPEALS Nearly all cases heard by the Kentucky Court of Appeals come to it on appeal from a lower court. If a case is tried in Cir cuit Court or District Court and the losing parties involved are not satisfied with the outcome, they may ask for a higher court to review the correctness of the trial court’s decision. Some cases, such as criminal case acquittals and divorces, may not be appealed. In a divorce case, however, child custody and property rights decisions may be appealed. Cases are not retried in the Court of Appeals. Only the record of the original court trial is reviewed, with attor neys presenting the legal issues to the court for a decision.

in 1976, practicing with his family firm of Lambert & Lambert in his hometown of Mount Vernon. He was elected Rockcastle County attorney in November 1981 and served in that capac ity for three terms. He returned to full-time private practice in 1994. Judge Lambert served as trial commissioner for Rockcastle County District Court from 2002-2005. His career has also included being an adminis trative law judge for the state Department of Corrections. He received his juris doctor from Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase Col lege of Law and his bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University.

professional life “

Been the honor of my

”

Fourteen judges, two elected from seven appellate court districts, serve on the Court of Appeals. The judges are divided into panels of three to review and decide cases, with the majority determining the decision. The panels do not sit permanently in one location but travel throughout the state to hear cases.

The vacancy will be covered by other Court of Appeals judges until a judge is elected to the seat in November and takes office in January.

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