Kentucky

FRANKFORT, KY- In August 2008, the Kentucky Bar Association (KBA) Board of Governors became aware that President Barbara Bonar had removed several volunteers on the Ethics Committee fi'om their positions before the expiration of their appointed tenus. Although KBA staffhad provided KBA President Barbara Bonar with information regarding the correct expiration dates of the affected members' current terms, she chose to inform these volunteers that their respective tenures on the Ethics Committee had expired on June 30, 2008, and thanked them for their service to the KBA. Several of the volunteers complained or raised concerns about their removal to the KBA. Ms. Bonar offered to reinstate all of the Ethics Committee members she had attempted to remove. Most of these individuals have returned to their volunteer duties.

The Board of Governors initiated an inquiry into Ms. Bonar's removal of these Ethics Committee members. That inquiry was justified under the circumstances and was pursued by the Board of Governors in good faith.

At a specially called meeting of the Board of Govemors on December 13, 2008, the Board found that Ms. Bonar's removal of the individuals was inappropriate. The Board also found that Ms. Bonar had not been forthcoming in her explanation of the reasons for her removal of these committee members. Ms. Bonar disputes the findings of the Board.

Ms. Bonar and the Board of Govemors have agreed to resolve this inquiry. Ms. Bonar has agreed to accept several limitations on her authority as KBA President, including an agreement to seek consent and approval from the KBA Board ofGovemors or Executive Committee for any further appointments or removals of any committee members or chairs and continued non-participation in disciplinary matters pending before the KBA. This concludes the Board of Governors inquiry.