Bench & Bar May/June 2025

YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION

REFLECTING ON A REMARKABLE YEAR

BY DONALD H. COMBS III

I t’s hard to believe the 2024-2025 bar year is already coming to a close! Serving as chair of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Kentucky Bar Association has been an incredible honor. Working alongside the Board of Governors and our dedicated YLD members, we’ve achieved so much this year, ensuring the success of our programs and initiatives. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of so many. I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to: OUR YLD MEMBERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – for your unwavering dedication and hard work. THE KBA STAFF – for your invaluable support and willingness to step in whenever needed. THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS – for continuously encouraging our efforts, celebrating our achievements, and sharing in our successes. OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS – includ ing Lawyers Mutual of Kentucky, J. David Rosenberg College of Law, Jackson Kelly PLLC, Dentons, Feeding Kentucky, and many more, whose contributions allow us to provide meaningful programs year after year. YOUR SUPPORT MAKES EVERYTHING WE DO POSSIBLE.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE At the annual convention in June, we have the privilege of recognizing outstanding individ uals for their contributions to the legal profession and their commitment to service. Please join me in congratulating this year’s award recipients! 2025 YLD ANNUAL AWARDS We are proud to honor the following individuals for their dedication to young lawyers, their communities, and the legal profession:

OUTSTANDING YOUNG LAWYER AWARD Elizabeth A. Combs SERVICE TO YOUNG LAWYERS AWARD Yvette Hourigan

YOUNG LAWYER SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AWARD Seth T. Church

NATHANIEL R. HARPER AWARD Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert and Justice Pamela R. Goodwine

2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AWARDS Each year, the YLD chair recognizes members of the executive committee who go above and beyond. I am honored to acknowledge these individuals for their exceptional service:

OUTSTANDING DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Kelsey Bryant

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER Sebastian Torres

OUTSTANDING COORDINATOR Whitney Rowe

Thank you to the entire executive committee for your dedication and hard work!

THANK YOU

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Lawyers Mutual of Kentucky for your unwavering support of the YLD. Your sponsorship enables us to provide valuable programs and events that benefit Kentucky’s young lawyers.

36 may/june 2025