Caption for Photo:
Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert (left) poses with former longtime Supreme Court Clerk Susan Stokley Clary after presenting her with the court’s 2026 Law Day Award for her lasting contributions to the commonwealth and Kentucky’s judiciary. Clary was the keynote speaker for the Law Day ceremony today at the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort. (Photo by David Coyle)
FRANKFORT, Ky., April 24, 2026 – Susan Stokley Clary, former longtime clerk of the Supreme Court of Kentucky, was honored today at the court’s Law Day 2026 event for her distinguished career and lasting contributions to the commonwealth’s judicial system. Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert presented the award after Clary delivered the Law Day keynote speech at the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort.
“I can think of no person who would be more appropriate for this award,” Chief Justice Lambert said. “We have always looked to Susan for advice on how the Supreme Court operates. She has served us ably over the years and we remain proud of the work she continues to do for the commonwealth.”
Established more than 40 years ago, the Supreme Court Law Day Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding community service, promoted a better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged greater respect for the law and the courts, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility and contributed to good government.
Clary dedicated more than three decades to public service for Kentucky’s judiciary, serving as the Supreme Court clerk for 25 years before retiring in 2020. She played a central role in the administration and operation of the state’s highest court and contributed to significant judicial initiatives that strengthened the legal system and improved access to justice. The Supreme Court clerk is a position appointed by the chief justice and is responsible for the custody, control and storage of all Supreme Court records. The clerk also serves as the court’s administrator and general counsel. Clary was the clerk for three chief justices: Robert F. Stephens (dec.), Joseph E. Lambert (ret.) and John D. Minton Jr. (ret.). She now serves as the executive director of the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.
Law students who passed the Kentucky Bar Exam were sworn in as new attorneys by the chief justice at the event. Addressing the students in her remarks, Clary reflected on the significance of Law Day and the role of the legal profession in upholding the rule of law.
“Since our first Law Day in 1990 rain or shine, we gather annually to celebrate new admittees to the bar and, as Chief Justice Lambert said, to reflect on how the rule of law ensures the rights of all Americans to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams,” she said.
Clary emphasized the responsibility of the oath taken by new attorneys.
“You are actively swearing to support these constitutions,” she said of the U.S. and Kentucky constitutions. “This is an act of duty you are assuming.”
She underscored how that responsibility extends into daily legal practice.
“How will you carry out this duty and the guardianship of the rule of law?” she said. “You’ll fulfill it every day, just as Chief Justice Lambert has said, when you advise your clients what the law is, why it is what it is and of the possible remedies that are available to them.”
She encouraged the new attorneys to be in public service, saying attorneys are needed to run for office and serve in government positions.
“For some of you, I truly hope that your American dream will include a life of public service,” she said. “That is the highest honor.”
The American Bar Association’s 2026 Law Day theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” highlights the fundamental principle that no person is above the law. The rule of law ensures the rights of individuals to live freely and pursue their goals, forming the foundation for opportunity and justice in society.
“Each year, Law Day provides a new opportunity for us to expand the awareness of our legal and judicial system and its impact on our everyday lives,” Chief Justice Lambert said. “It offers us a chance to reflect on our nation’s constitutional heritage and to appreciate the vital contributions an informed and active citizenry makes to our constitutional government.”
Law Day is celebrated annually across the country around May 1 to celebrate the rule of law in a free society and cultivate an understanding of the legal system. Established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, Law Day is a day for Americans to celebrate their liberties and rededicate themselves to the ideals of equality and justice under the law in relation to each other and other nations. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 1 as Law Day, U.S.A. To mark Law Day 2026, the ABA encourages Americans to reflect on how the rule of law makes it possible for them to achieve their aspirations.
Watch a recording of the Law Day recognition on the Kentucky Court of Justice YouTube at kcoj.info/KCOJYouTube. Engage in the conversation about Law Day by searching the hashtags #LawDay, #LawDay2026, #KYLawDay and #KYSupremeCourt on social media.
Supreme Court of Kentucky
The Supreme Court of Kentucky is the state court of last resort and the final interpreter of Kentucky law. Seven justices sit on the court and all rule on appeals before the court. The justices are elected from seven Supreme Court districts and serve eight-year terms. A chief justice, chosen for a four-year term by his or her fellow justices, is the administrative head of the state court system and is responsible for overseeing its operation. In addition, the Supreme Court establishes rules of practice and procedure for all Kentucky judges and attorneys.
Caption for photo:
Law students who passed the Kentucky Bar Exam are sworn in as new attorneys during the Supreme Court Law Day recognition today at the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort. Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Debra Hembree Lambert administered the constitutional oath to the incoming attorneys. (Photo by David Coyle)
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