Judge James Lambert to retire from Kentucky Court of Appeals after 18 years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge James H. Lambert will retire on Jan. 31 after nearly two decades on the bench.

“Serving on the Court of Appeals for the past two decades has been the honor of my professional life,” Lambert said in his retirement letter.

First elected in 2006, Lambert represents Division 2 of the Third Appellate District, covering 25 counties.

Chief Judge Larry E. Thompson praised Lambert’s service, saying, “His thoughtful judgment and steady leadership have strengthened the Court of Appeals, and his contributions will leave a legacy.”

Before joining the appellate court, Lambert practiced law in Mount Vernon, served as a Rockcastle County attorney, and worked as an administrative law judge.

Lambert earned his law degree from Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University.

The vacancy will be temporarily covered by other judges until an election fills the seat in November.