FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s Supreme Court is set to have its first female chief justice with the selection of Debra Hembree Lambert. Lambert, who has been serving as the deputy chief justice, will begin her four-year term on January 6, according to court officials.
“While it may be notable that I will be the first woman to serve as chief justice in Kentucky, I am most proud to be a small-town kid from the mountains of eastern Kentucky who has had a lot of support and encouragement along the way,” Lambert stated.
Lambert will replace Laurance B. VanMeter, who chose not to seek reelection this year. VanMeter opted not to seek reelection.
The Kentucky Supreme Court consists of four men and three women justices. Lambert expressed her honor at being chosen by her peers and acknowledged the challenges of leading the judicial branch.
“Our judges, clerks and administrative employees handle large dockets and special programs with great efficiency,” she noted.
VanMeter commended Lambert, highlighting her dedication and extensive experience, which includes over 17 years on the bench in various capacities such as family court and the state Court of Appeals.
“I am confident that Chief Justice-elect Lambert will lead the judicial branch with integrity and ensure the efficient and fair administration of justice,” said VanMeter, who began his tenure as chief justice at the start of 2023.
Lambert became a Supreme Court justice in 2018, representing districts in eastern, southern, and central Kentucky. She also chairs the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health.
Prior to her appellate role, Lambert served as a judge for a circuit including Lincoln, Pulaski, and Rockcastle counties, where she established the area’s first drug court. Lambert has also dedicated time to volunteering in middle schools, assisting at-risk children and families to prevent truancy.
Lambert is a certified suicide prevention trainer, providing education on intervention techniques to prevent suicide. A native of Bell County, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University and graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1989. Lambert practiced law in Mount Vernon, working as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney and city attorney before returning to private practice in 2007. She was elected to the Court of Appeals in 2014.
