Meet Karen
Karen is an experienced attorney who has worked in our local courts for seventeen years.
Karen has practiced in every area of District Court, as well as Circuit, Family and Federal Courts and has extensive jury and bench trial experience at all state levels. She is a graduate of the University of Louisville’s College of Arts and Sciences and Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. Karen is proud to call Louisville her home.
As a law student she externed with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, in the child abuse and domestic violence unit and worked at the Center for Women and Families as a victim’s advocate. Upon graduation she joined the Public Defender’s Office, where she would ultimately begin to build her career as an attorney.
Karen files her paperwork to serve as our next District Court Judge, in Jefferson District Court, Division Eight (8)
After more than six years as a public defender, Karen took what she’d learned as a public servant and opened a private practice, where she has continued to defend her clients and work for their freedom. Her work as a Parent’s Attorney in Family Court, along with her passionate representation of juveniles has earned her the honor of being recognized for five consecutive years as one of Louisville Magazine’s “Top Lawyers.” At the same time, Karen served as an adjunct professor at the Brandeis School of Law, lecturing on Trial Practice in 2013 and 2015. She often speaks to students of various ages about the criminal and juvenile justice systems and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Louisville, Legal Aide, Ivy Tech, and Brown Mackie College. In the community she serves as a co-coach for duPont Manual High School’s Mock Trial team and on the Advisory Committee for Seneca and Waggener High Schools’ Pre-Law Programs.
Karen made the decision to run for District Court Judge because her dedication to the people of Jefferson County has only grown more fervent. As Judge she will make certain that all people who enter the court system, both the victims and the accused, are treated fairly and with respect. She will work to uphold the law and ensure her courtroom is run efficiently and fairly. Karen will work to improve access to the Court system and the District Court schedule. Karen promises to support Mental Health Court, Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Restorative Justice, and any other programs that become available in District Court and would like to work on expanding social programs for youth that are involved in the Juvenile Justice system. She is a supporter reasonable bail and bail alternatives and will follow the law so that all factors, including ability to pay is part of the discussion. She currently serves on the Jail Policy Committee as the private bar member formed with all justice partners to address jail overcrowding and health and safety issues for inmates and correction officers and will continue this work on the bench.
Karen is a wife and mother to seven-year-old, Liam, and one year old Leo, who always keeps her on her toes. She understands the challenges of being a working parent and will strive to make her courtroom accessible to all. In everything she has undertaken in life, Karen has been hard-working and dedicated. The people of Jefferson County deserve no less in their District Court Judge.
Karen with her husband Bill, and sons Liam and Leo (in belly at the time : )