Kentucky

The Louisville Bar Association has announced the results of this year?s Judicial Evaluation of the Jefferson Circuit and Family court judges. A total of 23 judges were evaluated in this year?s evaluation. Due to the smaller size of the litigation bar and the nature of the practice, approximately 700 survey packets were sent to those members of the Kentucky Bar Association who reside and/or are employed in Jefferson County and who qualify under the evaluation participation guidelines.

In circuit court, Judge James Shake got the highest general rating with 97, followed closely by two recently elected  judges - Judge Charles Cunningham with 95 Judge Susan Gibson 94 - and recently retiring but now senior status Judge Geoffrey Morris with 93.

On the other end was senior status Judge Martin McDonald at Judge Fred Cowan tied at the bottom with the least satisfaction with scores of 56 each.  Both judges also were rated the lowest on legal ability - 50 and 56 respectively. 

A total of 23 judges were evaluated: 13 circuit court judges and ten family court judges. The ratings appear on the chart below.

The results of the evaluation were then collected and tabulated by Thoroughbred Research Group, an independent research firm located in Louisville, Kentucky. The results of the evaluation and the specific comments were then delivered to the various judges with the goal of providing a basis for improvement of the judiciary. All responses remain anonymous.

The Louisville Bar Association has conducted evaluations of the local judiciary since 1979 through a very generous grant by the Louisville Bar Foundation. The purpose of these evaluations is to gather constructive input from members of the bar on the performance of the Jefferson County judiciary. This feedback is critical to the effective administration of justice and to the continued independence of our judiciary. Participants in this process are asked to be thoughtful and to fairly consider all factors in carefully making their evaluations.

Anyone wishing to receive a copy of the evaluation Summary Report or Detailed Findings may visit the LBA?s website at www.loubar.org or call (502) 583-5314.