Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy

Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy

In 1958, Law Day was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to commemorate the foundational principles of the rule of law. It serves as a reminder of the great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under law passed down by our forefathers.

This year, on Law Day 2024, the Butler County Bar Association honored Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy for her lifetime achievements, celebrating a distinguished career that began in Butler County. Chief Justice Kennedy's professional journey is inspiring; she started as a Hamilton police officer before earning her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1991. Her career then flourished as she served as a law clerk, defense attorney, and Butler County Domestic Relations judge, ultimately leading to her current role as Chief Justice.

Melynda Cook Howard, president of the Butler County Bar Association said “Who would have thought that Butler County would have such an esteemed jurist? It is remarkable that she was once just a Hamilton police officer, and now she is the top female and top dog in law enforcement.”

Chief Justice Kennedy expressed deep gratitude, describing it as a "tremendous honor" bestowed upon her by the legal community where her career began. Reflecting on her journey, Kennedy emphasized, “From patrolling the streets of Hamilton, to the Butler County courtrooms—at the counsel table and behind the bench—to the chambers of the Supreme Court of Ohio, my journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs. Yet throughout, Butler County remained an anchor.”