Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Susan Stokley Clary, clerk of the Supreme Court of Kentucky, was installed as president of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks at the organization?s annual meeting Aug. 6 in Sacramento, Calif.

The NCACC focuses on continuing education for appellate court clerks and court administrators, providing them with information and training designed to help them improve the appellate court system. Clary is the organization?s 37th president.

?There is no one working in the courts who has a deeper knowledge or greater love of the court system than Susan Clary,? Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. said. ?Her election to the presidency of this professional organization is not only a significant accomplishment for Susan, but it also brings honor to the commonwealth of Kentucky.?

Clary has been clerk of the Supreme Court of Kentucky since March 1995. She also serves as the court?s administrator and general counsel. She has been the court administrator since 1988 and the court?s general counsel since 1983.

Gov. Steve Beshear praised Clary?s work with the Supreme Court.

?For almost 15 years, Susan has served as clerk of the Supreme Court of Kentucky, earning a reputation as an invaluable resource and trusted advisor,? Beshear said. ?Her seamless management skills honed here in Kentucky will certainly be welcomed as head of the NCACC, as we continue to show the nation that Kentucky is a state filled with unparalleled leadership.?

Clary was elected as NCACC vice president in 2007. The vice president automatically succeeds to the office of president-elect and then president.

Clary is a member of the Supreme Court Rules Committee and the Civil Rules Committee and is chairwoman of the Supreme Court Appellate Rules Subcommittee. She is also a member of the court?s Appellate Technology Committee and is the Supreme Court liaison with the Office of Bar Admissions.

Prior to her appointment as clerk, she served the Supreme Court as a law clerk for Justice James B. Stephenson and as administrative assistant to Chief Justice Robert F. Stephens. She earned her juris doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law, graduating in 1981. She also previously served as general manager of the Department of Juvenile Services for the Administrative Office of the Courts, during which time she established a statewide juvenile intake and diversion program.

Clary has co-authored a book on Kentucky juvenile law and taught family law and juvenile law at Midway College.

She and her son, Nicholas, reside in Lexington.

NCACC
The NCACC was organized in 1973 with members throughout state and federal appellate courts. The three objectives of the conference are to improve the skill and knowledge required of those performing the duties of appellate court clerks through conferences, seminars and other educational programs; to promote and improve the contribution of the offices of appellate court clerks in effective court administration; and to maintain facilities for the collection and dissemination of information and ideas regarding the operation and improvement of the offices of appellate court clerks.

Administrative Office of the Courts
The AOC in Frankfort supports the activities of approximately 3,800 Kentucky Court of Justice employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks.