Bench & Bar May/June 2025

JOHN FRIEND , a brilliant attor ney known for his colorful personality, unwavering advocacy, and commitment to reshaping Kentucky law, died on March 21, 2025, in Louisville. He was 41 years old. The cause of death was Burkitt's lymphoma, following a brief but intense battle with the disease.

Born on November 8, 1983, in Norton, Va., Mr. Friend spent his formative years in Pikeville. He was a 2002 graduate of Pikeville High School. A self-proclaimed "hillbilly," he wore his Appala chian roots with pride, combining his small-town upbringing with a razor-sharp intellect that would later define his legal career. Mr. Friend's legal prowess was evident in his landmark victo ries that reshaped Kentucky law. In University of Louisville v. Rothstein , Mr. Friend successfully argued that the passage of the Kentucky Model Procurement Code waived governmen tal immunity for all claims arising out of lawfully authorized written contracts with the Commonwealth and its agencies. Other notable cases handled by Mr. Friend included Boling v. Prospect Holdings , where he protected a severely injured plaintiff from a predatory lawsuit lender, and Norton Healthcare, Inc. v. Disselkamp , which clarified jury instruction standards in age discrimination cases, reaffirming important protections for employees. Mr. Friend joined Alex R. White, PLLC, in 2022, quickly earning a reputation as the firm's "answers man" for his strategic bril liance and legal insight. His incisive legal writing and command of complex issues made him a formidable presence in both trial and appellate courts. Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Friend was a devoted mentor and teacher. He regularly spoke at his legal alma mater, the Univer sity of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, and volunteered for oral argument competitions. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of lawyers was matched only by his advocacy for attorney mental health, a cause he championed especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Friend's colleagues remember him not just for his legal acumen, but for his quirky wit, unmatched storytelling ability, and capacity to make any room laugh. His last text message to a law partner, "I love you too bro," encapsulated his authentic and heartfelt approach to both his personal and professional relationships. Notably, Mr. Friend was a giving individual, readily and selflessly offering his time to serve others, whether they be animals, old friends, new acquaintances, or disadvantaged liti gants who never knew of his considerable efforts.

JOSEPH DARLINGTON "J.D." RAINE, JR. , passed away peacefully August 16, 2024, at Norton Pavilion Downtown after a resurgence of cancer and other health chal lenges in recent months.

Born in Louisville in 1948, J.D. spent nearly his whole life there, moving away only for education. An avid traveler and devotee of horse racing, he is a former member of the U of L Alumni Club and Churchill Downs Turf Club. He passes on a deep love of Louisville, its history, neighborhoods, dining spots and sports. In addition to horse racing, J.D. was a regular season ticket holder for the University of Louisville Athletics and Louisville Minor League baseball, as well as a frequent patron for teams as far back as the Louisville Colonels and Rebels. A graduate of Waggener High School, J.D. obtained his B.A. in political science at Washington & Lee University where he was also a student assistant for the baseball and soccer teams. He then graduated in 1973 from U of L Law School and was admitted to the Bar the same year. One of his greatest points of pride was his 50-year membership in the Louisville Bar Association, which his father, Joe Sr., also achieved. As a lawyer, his areas of practice were wide ranging but eventually came to focus heavily on insurance-related cases. The firms he practiced under included Raine, Raine and Highfield; Conliffe, Sandman and Sullivan; Morris, Garlove, Waterman and John son; Fererri & Fogle and, most recently, Tilford, Dobbins and Schmidt. A trial lawyer with admissions to both state and federal courts, he greatly enjoyed practicing mediation in the second half of his career. The preceding memoriam for Joseph Raine, Jr., is based upon infor mation obtained from www.legacy.com. To access the obituary in its entirety, visit: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/ joseph-raine-jr-obituary?id=56279286.

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