Elect Lucy VanMeter for Fayette circuit court

Lawyers are routinely asked to evaluate their peers by Martindale-Hubbell, the 150-year-old organization that keeps a massive database on over 1 million attorneys.

Lucy Ferguson VanMeter has earned the highest peer rating, based on her legal knowledge, judgment, communication skills and ethical standards.

Those qualities, along with her reputation for diligence and efficiency, make her our choice for Fayette circuit court judge.

Although this is her first run for office, voters may recognize the name since her husband, Laurance, sits on the Kentucky Supreme Court. But she has plenty of her own accomplishments over a 20-year career.

An equity member in Stoll Keenon and Ogden law firm, VanMeter specializes in personal injury, insurance and contract disputes. A past president of the Fayette County Bar Association, she has tried civil and criminal cases, practiced in over 50 counties and before all levels of state and federal courts. One of her most high-profile cases was obtaining a judgment against former legislator Steve Nunn for the wrongful death of Amanda Ross.

Her experience is perfectly suited for circuit court, which rules over civil matters involving more than $5,000, capital offenses and felonies, land dispute title cases and contested probate cases. She wants to find ways to lower the costs of legal services by allowing routine motions to be handled by phone and with recordings.

VanMeter has been endorsed by the People’s Campaign social activist group, the Central Kentucky Building & Construction Trades Council, the Bluegrass Central Labor Council and the Committee for Fairness and Individual Rights, concerned with LGBTQ issues.

Currently serving in the seat is Judge John Edwards Reynolds, appointed by Gov. Matt Bevin in December to fill out the term of retiring Judge James Ishmael. Reynolds, most recently in private practice in Nicholasville, has 20 years of trial experience, including public defender work. While judge, he has taken steps to educate Hispanic residents on the court system and is open to ordering medically-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

However, VanMeter has broad support within the legal community and from organizations representing those who often need the courts to protect their rights. Put her on the court.