FCBA Law Day Luncheon

Law Day 2026 Honors Service, Leadership, and the Start of the FCBA Centennial

The Law Day 2026 celebration marked not only a day to recognize the importance of the rule of law, but also the official beginning of the FCBA Centennial Celebration for the Fayette County Bar Association. Members of the bench and bar, public officials, community leaders, and guests gathered to honor service, professionalism, and dedication to the legal community.

FCBA President Matt Parsons opened the event with welcoming remarks and reflections on the significance of Law Day as the Association enters its 100th year of service to the Fayette County community. He then introduced Judge Lucy VanMeter, who welcomed Mayor Linda Gorton to the podium. Mayor Gorton formally proclaimed May 5, 2026, as Law Day in Lexington, Kentucky, recognizing the legal profession’s continued commitment to justice, civic engagement, and public service.

The invocation was delivered by Deputy Chester Palmer of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, followed by announcements from FCBF Board Member Larry Deener regarding the ongoing work and initiatives of the Fayette County Bar Foundation.

Several distinguished awards and recognitions were presented throughout the program. LaToi Mayo of Littler presented the LABG Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award to August “Gus” Johannsen in recognition of his outstanding commitment to pro bono service.

Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle Keller presented recognition awards to five dedicated volunteers from the Fayette County Legal Clinic: Anne D’Ambruoso, Phil Fiarbanks, Theresa Gilbert, Pat Moloney, and Mike Rowland, honoring their meaningful contributions to expanding access to justice in the community.

Fayette Circuit Clerk, Vince Riggs presented Deputy Clerk of the Year Award to Tamala Collins for exemplary service and dedication. Assistant Chief Brian Maynard of the Lexington Police Department then presented the Law Enforcement Award to Taylor Mitchell.

Continuing the celebration of professional excellence, LaToi Mayo presented the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award to Jamila Carter. The Citizen Lawyer Award was presented to Daniel P. Murphy by his wife, Fayette District Judge Melissa Moore Murphy.

A special service award was presented by Fayette District Judge Lindsay Hughes Thurston to Chief Fayette District Judge Bruce Bell in recognition of his dedicated service and leadership to the Fayette County legal community.

The prestigious Henry T. Duncan Award was presented to Kevin G. Henry by Andrew Yocum. Both attorneys are members of Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney PLLC, and Yocum currently serves on the FCBA Executive Board.

As the program concluded, Matt Parsons introduced Alex Garcia as the incoming President of the Fayette County Bar Association for the 2026–2027 year, symbolically ushering in the Association’s centennial year and the continued tradition of leadership, service, and professionalism within the Fayette County legal community.

 2026 Law Day Celebration Photos

FCBA Board of Directors:

2026-2027 Officers and Directors

100% Club

The FCBA is proud of our 100% Club, which honors firms that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our association and our profession. These firms have gone above and beyond by ensuring that every single member joins in support of FCBA. We are grateful for the dedication of these firms and look forward to working with them in the coming year.

Thank you Law Day Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors