Mike Foster, who served longer as a county attorney in Kentucky history than any other lawyer, will now hear cases on the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Gov. Andy Beshear is appointing the former Christian County attorney to serve as a special Supreme Court justice.
“It’s quite an honor,” Foster told Hoptown Chronicle. “I got a call from the governor, who said he something in mind for me.”
Foster will hear cases where Supreme Court Justice Shea Nickell is recusing himself to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Foster said the appointment is a fitting end to his career.
While he wasn’t expecting the appointment, Foster said, “… it’s something that kind of caps off your career.”
Foster served as Christian County attorney for more than 40 years until 2018. He also maintains a private law practice in Hopkinsville where he focuses on real estate and corporate law. He previously served as president of the Kentucky Association of Counties.
Historically, the state Supreme Court has needed special judges to serves in cases where an elected justice has a conflict of interest. This happens with some regularity because justices are often elected after serving as a circuit judge.
Foster said friends have asked him if he’ll be moving to Frankfort.
That’s not necessary, he explained. Most of the justices remain in their hometowns and drive to Frankfort for oral arguments. Much of their work is done away from the court. They study written pleadings remotely.
When the governor called to request his service, Foster said he was surprised. His first response was, “If I wanted to serve on the Supreme Court, I would have run.”
But as the governor explained, a special judge has limited service.
Foster said he’ll be fitted for a judge’s robe soon. He’s already been assigned three cases.
(This story first ran on WKMS, the public radio station at Murray State University. It has been updated with contributions from Jennifer P. Brown of Hoptown Chronicle.)
