Justice Michelle M. Keller- Formally Sworn In As A Supreme Court Justice

Gov. Beshear appointed Justice Keller in April to serve as the justice from the 6th Supreme Court District.  She was a Court of Appeals judge for the six years prior to being selected for the Supreme Court.  With her appointment, the seven-member Supreme Court now has three female justices for the first time ever.

She has served in various positions for the Northern Kentucky and Kentucky bar associations. In 2009, she received the KBA’s Donated Legal Services Award. She is a master in the Salmon P. Chase Inn of Court and was elected president of the Inn for 2012-13.

Prior to her election as Court of Appeals judge, Justice Keller practiced law for 17 years. She has served both as an assistant county prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Justice Keller’s practice concentrated in the areas of family law, personal injury, and medical negligence defense. She is also experienced in administrative law, representing numerous clients before state regulatory and licensure boards. She is chairwoman emeritus of the Kentucky Personnel Board and has served as a hearing officer and member for the board. Justice Keller is licensed to practice law in Kentucky, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and the U.S. Supreme Court. She has served as a special justice to the Kentucky Supreme Court and has been commended twice by the Kentucky House of Representatives for her service to the commonwealth.

A lifelong Kentuckian, Justice Keller and her husband, Jim, a physician, are the proud parents of two daughters.