Debra Hembree Lambert Sworn in as Kentucky's First Female Chief Justice

Debra Hembree Lambert has been sworn in as Kentucky's first female chief justice, marking a historic milestone for the state’s judiciary. Lambert, who hails from Eastern Kentucky, attributes her commitment to fairness and merit-based decisions to her Appalachian upbringing and family values. She leads the state’s first female-majority Supreme Court, emphasizing that her gender does not define her leadership or judicial decisions. The court has also welcomed Pamela R. Goodwine as its first Black woman justice, further increasing its diversity and representation. Both Lambert and Goodwine's appointments have been celebrated as progress toward a more inclusive judiciary, with leaders highlighting the importance of reflecting the strength and diversity of society. Kentucky’s top officials attended the investiture, underscoring bipartisan support for these milestones.