Bench & Bar May/June 2026

ENDNOTES 1 Legal Services Corporation. The Economic Case for Civil Legal Aid: A Systematic Review of Eco nomic Impact Studies . Washington, DC, 2025 available at https://www.lsc.gov/our-impact/ economic-impact. 2 Id . (Unfortunately, Kentucky is one of the few states where no impact study was available). 3 Id . 4 Kentucky Nonprofit Network: More Than Char ities , available at https://kynonprofits.org/advo cate/morethancharity/ . The ripple effects extend well beyond the courtroom, reaching employers, schools, health systems, and local busi nesses. In that sense, civil legal aid is not merely an expense. It is a commu nity investment that yields meaningful returns across the Commonwealth every day. That demand is clearly reflected in the KBF‘s grant activity. In 2024, orga nizations submitted 38 applications to support civil legal aid services. In 2025, that number rose to 47. By 2026, requests reached 59 applications, representing more than $905,000 in identified need. This steady growth highlights both the vital work of legal aid providers and the increasing number of Kentuckians seeking assis tance with civil legal needs. The Legal Profession’s Role The legal profession plays a vital role in sustaining this work. Through pro bono service, financial support, and leadership in access-to-justice efforts, Kentucky attorneys help ensure that civil legal aid reaches those who need it most. Civil legal aid is often described as a moral imperative, and it is. But it is also a practical economic strategy. Investments in civil legal aid strengthen families, support local economies, and reduce long-term public costs.

James Park, Jr. is a graduate of Princeton University, a 1958 graduate of the Rosenberg College of Law, and Yale Law School. Katherine “Kay” Randall Park is a graduate of Rice University and a 1973 graduate of the Rosenberg College of Law. Remarkably, both Kay and Jim served as Editor in Chief of the Kentucky Law Journal, many years apart. Jim enjoyed a distinguished legal career, practicing law before serving as a Fayette County Circuit Judge and later as a Judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals. He also practiced with Frost Brown Todd as a partner and served as a member of the NCAA Infractions Committee. Kay’s career has been equally notable. She clerked for Justice Scott Reed of the Kentucky Court of Appeals and Chief Judge Pierce Lively of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, served as a Commissioner of the Kentucky Public Service Commission, and practiced law with Frost Brown Todd as a partner. Beyond their professional accomplishments, Kay and Jim share a love of traveling the world and delight in spending time with their Vizsla dogs, seven over time, a passion Jim embraced after retiring. Kay and Jim are proud supporters of the Kentucky Bar Foundation and have requested that their entire $100,000 contribution be directed to the Endowment. As Kay explains, “We wanted our gift to have a lasting impact. By supporting the Endowment, we hope to strengthen the Foundation’s ability to serve Kentuckians and advance justice.” Their generosity places them among the Foundation’s most dedicated supporters as members of the Century Circle. Susan Duncan, Executive Director of the Kentucky Bar Foundation, notes that Kay and Jim’s commitment reflects both leadership and vision. “Their endow ment gift is an investment in the future of justice in Kentucky,” Duncan says, “and it will strengthen the Foundation’s work for decades while helping ensure that access to justice remains a reality for those who need it most.” A Legacy of Leadership and Justice: Kay and Jim Park’s Enduring Commitment to the Kentucky Bar Foundation

5 Id. 6 Id.

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