www.loubar.org 4 Louisville Bar Briefs Justice Goodwine Formally Sworn in as Supreme Court Justice On April 18, Justice Pamela R. Goodwine was formally sworn in as a justice of the Supreme Court of Kentucky. Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter (ret.) administered the oath of office. Justice Goodwine makes history as the first Black woman to serve on Kentucky’s highest court, receiving two standing ovations at her swearing-in ceremony. Justice Goodwine, who said joining the Supreme Court was the realization of a 45- year dream, delivered her address to a full courtroom, reflecting on her life and sharing how she turned adversity into achievement and fulfilled her dreams. “I always say that I don’t give up on my dreams when life gets hard, I simply work harder to make my dreams come true,” she said. “If there is one philosophy and action I would like to be known for and for you all to recognize and live by as well, that is it. No matter what life brings your way, keep dreaming and keep working toward your goals.” She went on to say, “Our judiciary is entrusted with upholding the constitution and ensuring that the rights and freedoms of every individual are protected. Our legal system must remain vigilant in ensuring access to justice for all and continuing to serve as a pillar of our fairness and equity. It is my solemn duty to uphold these principles, ensuring that every person who comes before our courts is met with dignity, impartiality and respect.” Justice Goodwine serves the eight counties of Kentucky’s 5th 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. n COURT NEWS Chief Justice Lambert Formally Sworn in as Head of Kentucky Court System On April 15, Chief Justice of the Com- monwealth Debra Hembree Lambert was ceremonially sworn in as the head of the Kentucky court system. She recited the oath of office as her predecessor, Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter (ret.), swore her in. She is Kentucky’s seventh chief justice and first woman chief. Chief Justice Lambert reflected in her remarks on her upbringing in a small Eastern Ken- tucky community, where her father owned a body shop and her mother was a nurse’s aide. She said her parents knew education was the key to success and that she was led by their philosophy to “work hard, be joyful and be fearless.” “I shared with you a bit of who I am, and I wanted to bring that to you so you could see where my personal passion for people and justice developed,” she said. “When you grow up so modestly, you develop a strong sense of a need for a level playing field and for everyone to be heard. Those concepts are foundational in my worldview, and I hope you will be satisfied with my work performed as chief justice. You are my people, and following the rule of law does give me joy and makes me fearless about what lies ahead. I hope to serve you well. Thank you for your confidence in my humble service.” In addition to being the first female chief justice, Chief Justice Lambert is leading the first female- majority Supreme Court. Chief Justice Lambert is the justice from the 25 counties of the 3rd Supreme Court District. She was elected as a justice in November 2018 and was the first chair of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. Justice Lambert was the first woman from the 3rd Supreme Court District to serve on the Supreme Court and the first from the 3rd Appellate District to serve on the Court of Appeals, where she was a judge for four years before being elected to the Supreme Court. She is also the first justice to have served as a Family Court judge. n Surrounded by family, friends and dignitaries, Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert (right) takes the oath of office from her predecessor, Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter. (Photo by Mark Cornelison) Justice Pamela R. Goodwine takes the oath of office from Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter (ret.) in the Supreme Court Courtroom at the Capitol. She is joined by her hus- band, Lee A. Padgett Jr. (left), and great-grandson, Beck- ham Mourning (far right). (Photo by Mark Cornelison.)
