Bench & Bar Information
The on-demand programming will include 6 hours of CLE credits, including 1 ethics hour, and will be available until June 30.
In-person Bench & Bar attendees will receive access to the 6 hours of additional on-demand programming as part of their 2026 in-person registration.
The on-demand programming will be available through June 30, 2026, and registrants will be emailed a link to access those sessions.
Please be advised that the on-demand library is still a work in progress, and there may be additional programming changes made after June 1st.
Speaker Biographies
Wednesday, JUNE 24, 2026, IN-PERSON—Total Credit Hours: 6 (1 Ethics)
8:30 a.m. REGISTRATION BEGINS
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Supreme Court and Kentucky Court of Appeals Update
Justice Pamela R. Goodwine
Judge Glenn Acree, 5th Appellate District Division 2
Judge Will Moyhahan, 5th Appellate District Division 1
Supreme Court Case Law Update
Court of Appeals Update
10:00 – 11:00 p.m. Judicial Jeopardy
Judge Lucy VanMeter, 22nd Judicial Circuit Division 3
Judge Diane Minnifield, 22nd Circuit Court Division 7
Chief Judge Kimberly N. Bunnell, 22nd Judicial Circuit Division 9
Vincent Riggs, Fayette Circuit Court Clerk
Join Judge Lucy VanMeter as she moderates an entertaining and educational game of Judicial Jeopardy featuring Vince Riggs and members of the judiciary as contestants. Through a fun, game-show-style format, participants will test their legal knowledge while discussing courtroom procedures, judicial decision-making, and practical issues facing the legal profession. This interactive session offers attendees a unique opportunity to hear directly from judges and court officials while enjoying a lively program that combines professional development with a little friendly competition.
11:05 – 12:05 a.m. The Importance of an Independent Judiciary
James C. Duff, University of Kentucky Interim Dean
This presentation explores the critical role of an independent judiciary in preserving the rule of law and maintaining public confidence in the justice system. Attendees will examine the historical foundations of judicial independence in the United States, including the constitutional principles and safeguards designed to protect courts from political influence and external pressures. The program will also discuss contemporary challenges and threats to judicial independence, the impact those challenges can have on the administration of justice, and the responsibility of legal professionals to uphold and defend an impartial judiciary. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of why an independent judiciary remains essential to a functioning democracy and the protection of individual rights.
LUNCH
1:15p.m. – 3:15 p.m. The Transy Book Heist: Inside Lexington’s Most Infamous Rare Book Theft
Fred Peters
Patrick F. Nash, Nash Marshall, PLLC
Adele Burt Brown
Michael R. Mazzoli, Cox & Mazzoli, PLLC
David A. Marye, United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District
Edward S. Dove
Join defense attorneys Fred Peters, Pat Nash, Adele Burt Brown, and Mike Mazzoli; prosecutor David Marye; and Ed Dove for a behind-the-scenes look at the investigation, prosecution, defense strategy, and courtroom dynamics surrounding this extraordinary case. Presented from both the defense and prosecution perspectives, the session will provide unique insight into the legal and personal challenges faced by those involved, including representation of the librarian who was attacked during the theft
Written Materials
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Limited Scope Representation (LSR): Learning from LSR Pro Bono to Create a New Way to Deliver Civil Legal Services
Sylvia Lovely
The session will also include an overview of the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission and the walk-in Legal Clinics.
Written Material
ON-DEMAND Bench & Bar 2026—Total Credit Hours: 6 (1 Ethics)
Linked videos appear in blue. Available through June 30, 2026
I (Can’t) Challenge You to a Duel: Kentucky Attorneys and the Ethical Implications of Dueling – 1 Hour
Updated 2026
Anna Girard Fletcher, Executive Director, Energy and Mineral Law Foundation
Ethics – Written Material
The Divorce is Over; Now What?: How to Enforce Decrees Using Collections Law – .5 hour
Matthew Boggs, Casey Bailey & Maines
Written Material
Senator Thomas Legislative Update – .5 Hour
Senator Reginald Thomas
Written Material
Representative Burke Legislative Update – .5 Hour
Representative Lindsey Burke
Written Material
Improving Outcomes for Families — How co-parenting apps can prevent families from returning to court and keep them on track for success – 1 Hour
Danielle Kestnbaum, OurFamilyWizard
Written Material
A Fair Fresh Start: Securing Expungements for Low-Income Clients – 1.5 hour
Courtney Brothers, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass
Written Material
Senate Bill 50: Understanding New Probate Laws for all Practitioners – 1 Hour
Bethany Breeze Davenport, Kinkead & Stilz PLLC
Abigail Schueler, True Guarnieri Ayer, LLP
Written Material
Old vs. New
Example Scenarios
All content above is accredited under the same KBA activity code. Once finished, please report the hours completed in your KBA member portal. The activity code can be found at the bottom of the survey.