09/08/2023
I think I’ve attended 20 of the past 22 annual Kentucky Justice Association annual conventions. KJA is an outstanding organization that promotes equal access to the courts, fairness in the courtroom and protects our sacred 7th Amendment right as Americans to a trial by jury. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with brother and sister litigators from across the state that you might not see otherwise and share insight, war stories, and I always learn a few new things too.
The conference is always motivational and inspirational for me.
The Trial Judge of the Year was Judge Ann Bailey Smith. I think I was her first civil trial in 2015. It wasn’t my biggest or best verdict, but it beat the last insurance offer by over $55,000. She was fair and impartial and really strove to make the right decisions. I knew then she was going to be a good judge.
A woman who lost her son because of overgrown vegetation at a train track crossing was recognized for her efforts to enact laws in Kentucky that enforces unobstructed views of train tracks of 300 feet in each direction like most other states already require. It wasn’t simply about the lawsuit, and it certainly wasn’t about the money. This Mom actively advocates for change, so that her loss that will never heal, doesn’t traumatize someone else the same way she has been.
Finally, the trial lawyer of the year was an old friend who was always talented and hard working who parlayed his skills into tremendous victories that have transformed the world into a safer place. I remember when we were baby lawyers, he and I and a handful of other lawyers would meet bright and early on Saturday mornings in our bosses’ offices and discuss cases and complicated areas of law like lien resolution and immunity and dream of the day when we would be in control of our own destinies. He has certainly accomplished all of the admirable and lofty goals we set as baby lawyers and was well deserving of the honor. The lawyer who won trial lawyer of the year a couple years before, who could win it every year, was also in that Saturday morning group so I was fortunate to be surrounded by greatness.
KJA encourages us to use our position as officers of the court and abilities to make a difference. I feel reinvigorated and reenergized. Once again ready to take on the Goliaths of the world!
As an addendum, I’m fortunate to attend the convention with my significant other who appreciates what we do for a living and shares that passion. I was always a lone wolf at these conventions, and it’s great to share the experience with some one who also represents everyday, regular people against big insurance companies and corporations along with medical device and drug manufacturers. We are never at a loss for something to talk about! See you next year in Lexington!
