News & Updates
eFiling Required for Domestic Relations Cases Beginning August 1, 2023
Under Kentucky Supreme Court Administrative Order 2023-21, lawyers must use electronic filing for domestic relations cases beginning August 1, 2023.
Lawyers still needing training on eFiling can register here for live virtual trainings on either July 21st or August 28th. On-demand eFiling trainings are also available through the courts. If you need immediate assistance with filing, you can contact
New KBA President Fletcher Schrock: A Noble Profession
At the Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention, attendees thanked outgoing President Amy Cubbage for her service this past year and for her focus on what we owe one another—the fact that we are stronger together. In setting the theme for his upcoming term, President Fletcher Schrock challenges Kentucky lawyers to “also consider what we owe our profession—a noble calling.” President Schrock stated:
As lawyers we took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth. We pledged to faithfully execute our office to the best of our ability. Our Rules of Professional Conduct challenge us to further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system. And I believe it starts with us—we need to model what it means to be a noble lawyer.
Thank you to President Schrock, who is also a LMICK insured, for this challenge. We are looking forward to seeing where this theme takes the practice of law in Kentucky, in the next year and beyond.
Practice Tips
Formal Ethics Opinion Addressing Law-Related Services Has Been Adopted
Lawyers providing “law-related services” must be mindful of Kentucky Rule of Professional Conduct SCR 3.130(5.8). Effective April 1, 2022, the rule applies the rules of professional conduct apply to lawyers performing “services that might reasonably be performed in conjunction with and in substance are related to the provision of legal services, and that are not prohibited as unauthorized practice of law when provided by a nonlawyer.” (SCR 3.130(5.8)(2)) These can include mediation, financial planning, accounting, tax preparation, medical consulting, and more.
KBA Formal Ethics Opinion E-456 was recently released and provides guidance on the application of Rule 5.8. The Opinion appears on page 42 of the May KBA Bench & Bar Magazine. For more information about how the law-related services rule may impact your practice, check out our article on Rule 5.8.
Wellness Corner
Vacations Can Benefit Both the Brain and the Body
July is vacation month around here at Lawyers Mutual of Kentucky. We are big believers in taking time to rest and refresh—but what does the data tell us about vacations?
Several studies have shown the link between vacations and the reduction of stress as well as the improvement of cardiovascular health. This recent VeryWellHealth Article by Stephanie Brown digs into the science and encourages us all to regularly take time off work. A recent study showed an increase of sleep and a decrease in sedentary time. While those taking a week or more off work at a time reap the most benefits, the study showed that any amount of time off work was beneficial to both heart and mental health.
Make sure you schedule some time away from the office this summer—and every season. You can be a better, more effective lawyer for your clients if you take adequate time for caring for yourself.
Upcoming Events
Free Ethics CLE:
Bar Discipline 101: The Dos and Don’ts of Responding to a Bar Complaint
May 23, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST
1.0 hour of Kentucky CLE Ethics credit
We are excited to welcome Charles “Buzz” English, Partner at English Lucas Priest & Owsley, LLP in Bowling Green and LMICK Board Member. Buzz has extensive experience representing lawyers who are navigating disciplinary issues and will provide attendees practical tips for navigating the process.
Lawyers who receive a bar complaint experience a wide variety of emotions including fear, panic, stress, and anger. This session will provide lawyers with an overview of the disciplinary process, including the 2022 updates to the rules governing same. It will also address the need to obtain counsel so lawyers can respond rationally and effectively to a charge of attorney misconduct. Attendees will be better prepared for if—or when—they receive a bar complaint. Click here to access the on-demand CLE.
We look forward to seeing you!
LMICK is proud to support the organizations that support you and your work! We will be out and about this fall, leading CLEs and tabling events. We hope you can join us at one of these currently scheduled events (and make sure to come say hello)!
| AUG 7: | Kentucky Electric Co-Op Conference, Louisville |
| AUG 31: | Kentucky Law Update, Owensboro |
| SEPT 6-8: | Kentucky Justice Association Annual Conference, Louisville |
| SEPT 7: | Kentucky Law Update, Covington |
| SEPT 14: | Kentucky Law Update, Ashland |
| SEPT 28: | Kentucky Law Update, London |
We want to hear from you! Have a CLE topic you would like to see? Send suggestions to
Need a CLE Speaker? We are scheduling ethics CLEs for and dates through June 2023 are almost gone! We would love to speak to your group! You can check out our updated list of available topics and request to schedule, here.