Bench & Bar July/August 2025

Q & A TODD V. MCMURTRY Is there a theme you wish to emphasize for your year as president? WITH KBA PRESIDENT

BY JAMES P. DADY

cern about the continuing vital ity of the rule of law. Do we see that in Kentucky? Is it a concern for KBA leadership? As President of the Kentucky Bar Associa tion, I recognize the national conversation around judicial independence and the con cerns expressed by Chief Justice Roberts. While specific calls for judicial impeach ment based on disagreement with decisions could potentially undermine judicial inde pendence, the KBA must be mindful of its role as a mandatory bar association. The KBA is limited in addressing issues that could be considered political or ideological. Our primary focus must remain on regulat ing the legal profession and improving the quality of legal services. The KBA is committed to supporting the profession and an independent judiciary through education, professional develop ment, and ethics guidance for our members. We encourage all attorneys to uphold their professional responsibility to show respect for the courts, while recognizing that rea sonable criticism of judicial decisions is part of our legal tradition.

away from the idea of involvement. For rea sons I do not fully understand, lawyers do not join and participate as they once did. We have lost that personal connection to the profession. The practice sections can kindle that type of personal connection. So, I see a lot of good coming out of active practice sections. Second, AI is coming fast. Right now, I use it every day. It is amazing. But we cannot rely on it or get lazy and stop practicing our craft. Instead, we must learn how to lever age it to make ourselves better lawyers. It is great for ideas, proof reading, and getting started. It is not great at practicing law. I hope to have next year’s convention in Cov ington focusing on the future of law in the age of AI. There has been a spate of calls for the impeachment of judges by those who disagree with their decisions. It may be regarded by some as political tactic to doubt judicial authority. Chief Justice John Roberts has expressed con

When I was the President of the Northern Kentucky Bar Association, I spent “my year” finishing a project my predecessor started. That was the most important thing for the NKBA that year. This year will be much the same. The most important activ ity I can pursue is to create a structure to implement the strategic plan conceived and completed by President Rhonda Blackburn. I participated in this process and believe we have created a set of goals that will propel the KBA forward and help us better serve Kentucky’s lawyers. Of the goals articulated in the plan, I intend to focus on invigorating our practice sec tions and helping prepare Kentucky lawyers for the volcanic eruption I believe AI will bring to the practice of law. Here are my thoughts on each. First, we have too many sections that are inactive. The sections offer members a great chance to share ideas with other practitioners and to create high quality practice-specific continuing legal education programs. As well, we have fallen

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