In 2025, Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert is stepping into her new role as Kentucky’s first female chief justice. In an interview with The Bottom Line, she shared her priorities, her journey from attorney to becoming the state’s top judicial leader, and more.
As the state Capitol’s renovations continue, Chief Justice Lambert said her first administrative task will be organizing the Supreme Court’s temporary relocation while overseeing the construction of 16 new courthouses and one appellate court in Kentucky. These new responsibilities come in addition to her traditional caseload on the Commonwealth’s highest court.
She highlighted key initiatives that are happening in the judicial system, including special courts on mental health, drug, and veterans’ treatment, and commended judges for volunteering their time in addition to their cases to tackle these important issues and find solutions in their communities.
An issue of particular focus for Justice Lambert has been mental health. In 2022, the Kentucky Supreme Court launched the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, comprised of leaders and stakeholders from various government, judicial, business, and nonprofit organizations. Though she is stepping down as chair of the commission, Justice Lambert will continue to participate and looks forward to the progress that will be made.
Watch the full interview below.
