Kentucky Supreme Court Appoints New Deputy Chief Justice

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice-elect Debra Hembree Lambert has announced the appointment of Justice Robert B. Conley as deputy chief justice. This role, effective immediately, will allow Justice Conley to fill in during any instances when Justice Lambert recuses herself from a case or an administrative matter before the court.

Justice Lambert praised Conley, stating, “Justice Conley is a man of exceptional character and good judgment. I know he will ably serve in this new role with integrity and will do all he can to advance the work of the Court of Justice.”

The appointment comes as Justice Lambert prepares to assume her duties as chief justice, succeeding Laurance B. VanMeter, who will retire at the end of the current term.

Justice Conley was elected to the Supreme Court from the 7th Supreme Court District, which covers 32 counties in eastern Kentucky. He has been part of the state’s highest court since January 2021, following a lengthy career on the bench that spans over 26 years.

Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Conley had a significant judicial career, initially appointed in 1994 by then-Governor Brereton Jones to fill a district judge vacancy in the 20th Judicial District covering Greenup and Lewis counties. He won elections to the same seat for three consecutive terms. In 2006, he transitioned to the circuit court for these counties, where he served until his election to the Supreme Court.

During his tenure as a circuit judge, Conley also presided over the Greenup/Lewis Drug Court. This court gained national recognition in 2010 as a mentor court by the National Drug Court Institute, showcasing its exemplary practices and training capabilities for Drug Court personnel from across the Eastern United States.

Prior to entering the judiciary, Justice Conley worked in various capacities, including roles as a corporate attorney and serving as legal counsel for the Greenup County School Board. His diverse background underscores his extensive legal expertise.

Justice Conley’s appointment as deputy chief justice is anticipated to strengthen the leadership of the Kentucky Supreme Court, particularly during a significant transitional period.