Bench & Bar May/June 2025

Justice Pamela R. Goodwine takes the oath of office from Chief Justice Laurance B. Van Meter (ret.) on April 18 in the Supreme Court Courtroom at the Capitol. She is joined by her husband, Lee A. Padgett Jr. (left), and great-grandson, Beckham Mourning (far right).

Photo by Mark Cornelison

JUSTICE GOODWINE Justice Goodwine serves the eight counties of Kentucky’s 5 th Supreme Court District. She was elected in November and began serving in January after six years on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where she served as deputy chief judge. Her legal career began in 1979 as a legal secretary and court reporter. Today, she holds the distinction of being the first woman and the fifth person to serve at all four levels of Kentucky’s judiciary. SUPREME COURT OF KENTUCKY The Supreme Court is the state court of last resort and the final interpreter of Ken tucky law. Seven justices sit on the Supreme Court and all seven justices rule on appeals that come before the court. The justices are elected from seven appellate districts and serve eight-year terms. A chief jus tice, chosen for a four-year term by fellow justices, is the administrative head of the state’s court system and is responsible for its operation. The Supreme Court may order a ruling or opinion to be published, which means that the ruling becomes the case law governing all similar cases in the future in Kentucky.

654 Mission Feature

449 KENTUCKY CHILDREN as SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES

KENTUCKIANS SERVED

121 SURVIVORS of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Legal Aid Society’s Project Renew is just one of the dozens of programs Legal Aid Society provides to our community. Project Renew removes civil legal barriers to recovery and long-term stability for individuals impacted by Opioid Use Disorder. Our program is part of a statewide effort in partnership with AppalRed Legal Aid, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, and Kentucky Legal Aid. Project Renew is generously supported by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission and Equal Justice Works.

158

VETERANS

SENIORS 68

44

44 PEOPLE with DISABILITIES

HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS

757 TOTAL CASES WORKED

211 22 66

SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYMENT

CASE BREAKOUT

PERSONAL SAFETY

HOUSING

298 160

FAMILY STABILITY INCOME STABILITY

CASE BREAKOUT

ESTIMATED PRIVATE ATTORNEY FEES SAVED by CLIENTS $2,643,332

RECOVERED by CLIENTS $90,076

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