Bench & Bar November/December 2025

ANNOUNCEMENT

Katie Shepherd K atie Shepherd joined the Kentucky Bar Association (KBA) as its general counsel in mid-October and is the first to hold this position. Prior to joining the KBA, Katie was a partner at Thompson Miller & Simpson, PLC, where she represented healthcare providers in medical malpractice actions. She previously served for 16 years as chief of staff and counsel under both Chief Justice John D. Minton, Jr., and Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter. In that role, Katie provided legal and administrative counsel, drafted administrative policies and rules, and developed strategic planning for the Kentucky Court of Justice. “Katie’s extensive experience in private practice and the court system has given her a deep understanding of both the law and our association’s processes, making her an ideal choice as the KBA’s first general counsel. Having worked closely with Katie for many years, I was confident she would be a valuable addition to our team. She brings exceptional insight and leadership and will offer strategic counsel on current matters while guiding future initiatives,” expressed KBA Executive Director John D. Meyers. Katie earned her J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law and her B.A. in environmental studies from the University of Kentucky. Upon graduation from law school, she clerked for the Honorable John D. Minton, Jr., on the Kentucky Court of Appeals and gained valuable litigation experience at Bell, Orr, Ayers & Moore in Bowling Green and Bass, Berry & Sims in Nashville, Tenn. THE KENTUCKY BAR ASSOCIATION IS PLEASED TO WELCOME AS ITS FIRST GENERAL COUNSEL

Katie is an active member of the KBA and served for many years on the planning committees for the Annual Convention and the New Lawyers Program. In 2023, she received the KBA President’s Special Service Award. Katie and her husband, Scott, live in Lexing ton with their two daughters.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS The Kentucky Bar Association is accepting nominations for 2026 Distinguished Judge and Lawyer, Donated Legal Services and Bruce K. Davis Bar Service Awards. DISTINGUISHED JUDGE AWARD DISTINGUISHED LAWYER AWARD 2026 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

Awards may be given to any judge or lawyer who has distinguished himself or herself through a contribution of outstanding service to the legal profession. The selection process places special emphasis upon community, civic and/or charitable service, which brings honor to the profession. BRUCE K. DAVIS BAR SERVICE AWARD Many lawyers take time from DONATED LEGAL SERVICES AWARD Nominees for the Donated Legal Services Award must be members in good standing with the KBA and currently involved in pro bono

Nominations must be received by December 31, 2025. If you are aware of a Kentucky judge or lawyer who has provided exceptional service in these areas, please complete a nominating form.

their practices to provide personal, professional and financial support to the KBA. This award expresses the appreciation and respect for such dedicated professional service. All members of the KBA are eligible in any given year except for current officers and members of the Board of Governors.

Please visit the KBA website at https://kybar.org/About-Us/ Distinguished-Service-Awards

work. The selection process places special emphasis on the nature of the legal services contributed and the amount of time involved in the provision of free legal services.

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november/december 2025