Meet Judge Lay

Judge Greg Lay  has dedicated his career of over 35 years to upholding the rule of law, protecting constitutional principles, and ensuring that justice is applied fairly and consistently for every Kentuckian.

Judge Lay has served as Judge since 2004, after being appointed by the Governor as Circuit Judge of the 27th Judicial Circuit, serving Knox and Laurel Counties, and was later elected four times by the voters. He was selected by the Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2021 to serve as Chief Regional Circuit Judge of the 23 counties of the Cumberland Region. In these roles, Judge Lay is known for his steady leadership, judicial restraint, and unwavering commitment to the Constitution

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A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in political science, Judge Lay earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1990. Prior to taking the bench, he spent 14 years in private practice as a civil trial attorney and served the public as both Assistant Laurel County Attorney and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. That experience gives him a deep understanding of the law from nearly every perspective.

Throughout his judicial career, Judge Lay has been entrusted with key leadership responsibilities, including appointments by the Chief Justice to numerous statewide committees focused on court administration, civil justice reform, and judicial efficiency. His peers have twice recognized his work, naming him Trial Judge of the Year in 2021 and again in 2023.

Judge Lay believes judges must interpret the law as written, not legislate from the bench, respect the separation of powers, and remain faithful to the Constitution. That philosophy has guided his service for more than two decades and will continue to guide him on the Court of Appeals.