Bench & Bar May/June 2026

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YLD has revitalized two of its outstanding programs: U@18, where YLD members visit a local high school to advise stu dents on their rights and responsibilities when they turn 18; and the “Why Choose Law” Program, which will be held in June at the University of Louisville Brandeis College of Law that brings high school and college students together to develop insights and relationships within the progression. EQUIPPING YOUNG LAWYERS FOR REALWORLD SUCCESS Leaving the profession better also means preparing lawyers not just to practice law, but to build sustainable lives and careers. This year, the YLD launched a financial literacy video series addressing topics that are often overlooked in tradi tional legal education—student loan management, buying a home, and saving for retirement. These resources recognize a simple truth: financial stability is closely tied to professional longevity and wellbeing. 1 Looking ahead, during the last year, the YLD has also been developing content for mini-CLEs, each 30 minutes or less and specifically targeted to young lawyers beginning their practice. 2 These bitesized educational offerings will focus on practical and applicable topics and will roll out over the coming year—meeting young attorneys where they are and respecting the realities of busy early careers. PROMOTING WELLNESS AND PREPAREDNESS Sustaining the YLD—and the bar writ large—requires atten tion to both personal wellbeing and community readiness. This year marks the firstever YLD/KYLAP 5K Run/Walk, to be held at the KBA Annual Convention. 3 More than a race, the event symbolizes YLD’s ongoing partnership with KYLAP and its commitment to mental health, wellness, and mutual support within the bar. Additionally, the YLD has long been “boots on the ground” to help our friends and neighbors in the wake of state or federal emergencies. To ensure we are ready when disaster strikes, the YLD has updated the disaster services information on its website, ensuring that attorneys and communities have clear, accessible guidance when emergencies arise. 4 Preparedness is an often invisible form of leadership—but when it is needed, it matters immensely. STRENGTHENING THE BAR THROUGH PARTNERSHIP AND SERVICE The YLD’s work over the past year has been amplified through meaningful partnerships, including several new initiatives with the Kentucky Bar Foundation (KBF). Most notably, YLD and the KBF launched the firstever “Honor a Colleague Challenge” around Valentine’s Day. For a $10 donation, YLD members—or anyone—were able to send a personalized mes sage recognizing a mentor or inspiration. This initiative, which we hope to continue in perpetuity, raised over $1,000 for the

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T he legal profession is built on stewardship. Each genera tion of lawyers inherits institutions shaped by those who came before. And, likewise, each has an obligation to “leave it better than you found it.” It has been one of my greatest pleasures to serve as the YLD chair over the past year. For my “farewell” column, I wanted to reflect on the many accomplishments of the YLD this year. The YLD is only as strong as its members and the YLD has taken strides this year to strength its membership by offering a free YLD membership to newlyminted attorneys who have passed the Kentucky Bar. We hope this effort sends a powerful message at a pivotal moment in a lawyer’s career: you belong here and the YLD is invested in your success from day one. That commitment to accessibility extends beyond member ship. YLD has continued working closely with its affiliate members. Specifically, the YLD has continued its program ming at Kentucky’s law schools through programs like The Road Less Travelled, helping students explore varied career paths and understand the many ways a law degree can be used to serve the public. Additionally, the YLD was proud to engage with young lawyers nationally, sending delegates to the American Bar Association’s Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, ensuring that Kentucky’s young lawyers have a voice in shaping the profession at every level. However, part of removing those barriers start before a new lawyer passes the bar—or are even in law school. This year, the LOWERING BARRIERS AND WELCOMING NEW LAWYERS

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