Judicial commission seeks applicants for upcoming 27th Circuit Court vacancy

A vacancy is expected to open later this year in the 27th Judicial Circuit, which serves Knox and Laurel counties, as Circuit Judge Gregory A. Lay prepares to move to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

The vacancy in Division 1 will be created following certification of the November 2026 election by the Kentucky State Board of Elections and the administration of the oath of office to Lay as a Court of Appeals judge, according to a notice issued by the Judicial Nominating Commission.

Qualified attorneys interested in being considered for appointment must notify the Judicial Nominating Commission by Oct. 12.

Under Kentucky requirements, a circuit judge must be a U.S. citizen, must have lived in Kentucky and in the judicial circuit for at least two years immediately before taking office, and must have been a licensed attorney for at least eight years.

Citizens may also recommend qualified individuals for consideration.
Anyone seeking appointment must contact Kathy R. Stevens, executive secretary of the Judicial Nominating Commission, to provide notice of interest and request a Word version of the required questionnaire.

Completed questionnaires, along with nine stapled copies, must be received by the commission before Oct. 26.
Applications should be mailed to:
Judicial Nominating Commission
Attn: Kathy R. Stevens
Office of Chief Justice
669 Chamberlin Ave., Suite D103
Frankfort, KY 40601
Stevens may be reached at 502-564-4162 or kathystevens@kycourts.net.

A sample questionnaire is available on the Kentucky Court of Justice website under its judicial vacancies section.

The Judicial Nominating Commission will consider qualified applicants before submitting nominees to the governor for appointment to the vacant judgeship.