Circuit Judge Gregory Lay files to run for Court of Appeals

London, Ky. – Following a vacancy on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, Chief Circuit Judge Greg Lay, who has served as Circuit Judge in Knox and Laurel counties (the 27th Judicial Circuit) for over two decades, is the first to file as a candidate for the Kentucky Court of Appeals, 3rd Appellate District.
Judge Lay has served Knox and Laurel counties as a circuit judge since being elected in 2004, presiding over criminal, civil and complex litigation matters.  “It has been an incredibly great honor to serve as circuit judge for more than twenty years. I have had the privilege of serving in two counties that I love, all while working with some of the best people the court system has to offer.  It has truly been a blessing,” Judge Lay said.
“I am seeking a seat on the Court of Appeals because I have a great respect for the rule of law and the appellate process.  My years of experience as a Circuit Judge, where I have presided over thousands of cases, will give me the broad range of judicial experience that is needed to review cases on appeal.”
The Kentucky Court of Appeals reviews decisions from trial courts across the Commonwealth and plays a key role in ensuring consistency and fairness in the application of the law.
Judge Lay received the Trial Judge of the Year award from the Kentucky Justice Association (KJA) in 2021. With the announcement of this award to Judge Lay, KJA released the following statement: “Judge Lay is viewed as an impartial and by-the-book judge.  Among those who have appeared before him in court, he is highly respected.”  Judge Lay also received the Trial Judge of the Year award from the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2023.
Judge Lay is the Chief Regional Circuit Judge of the Cumberland Region of Circuit Judges, having been appointed to that position by former Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, John Minton.  The Cumberland Region consists of 23 counties, 10 Judicial Circuits and 20 Circuit Judges.  As the Chief Regional Judge, Lay is responsible for various administrative responsibilities in the region, including the assignment of judges to cases needing coverage, and assignment of judges to temporarily preside over court dockets in counties where the regular judge is unable to serve.
Judge Lay was elected in 2021 by his fellow judges to serve as an executive committee member (now the Board of Directors) of the Circuit Judge’s Association representing the 3rd District.  Judge Lay continues to serve in that capacity.
The 3rd Appellate District consists of 25 counties: Adair, Anderson, Bell, Boyle, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Green, Harlan, Knox, Laurel, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Mercer, Metcalfe, Nelson, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Washington, Wayne and Whitley.  “I am so excited to meet the voters, members of the legal community, and citizens throughout the district in the months ahead,” Judge Lay said. 
The vacancy in the Court of Appeals was created by the retirement of long serving Court of Appeals Judge James Lambert. Judge Lay recognized Judge Lambert for his nearly twenty years of service to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.  “Judge Lambert served the Commonwealth admirably during his time on the Court of Appeals.  His length of service is a testament to his effectiveness as a Court of Appeals judge.”