Bench & Bar July/August 2025

Q&A WITH PRESIDENT MCMURTRY

on the disciplinary cases? There are always complaints about the process – it lacks transpar ency, for example. Is the broad self-regulatory authority of the organized bar at some risk given contemporary political tides? This is a big question. In recent years, our Supreme Court has recognized the shortcomings in our current disciplinary procedures. They commissioned the Amer ican Bar Association to provide a study and make recommendations. The Court then appointed a committee to review these recommendations and provide a plan to

improve our system of lawyer discipline. That work is in progress. At our meetings, we generally spend 30% to 40% of our time on discipline. In my expe rience, the Board of Governors takes its role in the disciplinary process very seriously. Each decision appealed to the Board of Governors receives our full attention. Every disciplinary matter is investigated, debated, and decided by a group of engaged lawyers who are mindful of the serious nature of this work. We must balance what is best for the profession with what is best for the public. This is why non-lawyers participate in all of our disciplinary decisions. The results

of these disciplinary actions are ultimately published through Supreme Court deci sions. Bar Counsel provides regular reports about its efforts to keep things moving. I believe within the constraints of the cur rent system, the entire process has sped up since I joined the board. In general, we have seen fewer discipline cases over the past few years. Many cases are resolved before trial. In my view, the biggest problem we have is substance abuse. Most problems arise from impaired lawyers. That is why we have the Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Pro gram, which offers help with both substance abuse and mental health issues. These are

ANA CRISTINA, TODD AND CARI’S DAUGHTER, WITH HER HUSBAND, JON AND THEIR CHILDREN, JT AND MOLLY.

TODD AND HIS WIFE, CARI.

TODD AND CARI’S SON, STEPHEN, AND HIS WIFE, ELISE, WITH THEIR BABY, KELLEN.

TODD AND CARI’S SON, WILL, AND HIS WIFE, ANNA.

8 july/august 2025