My Reaction to Criticism of Judge Olu Stevens

By Abigail Green | April 17, 2015

While working at the Public Defender’s office, many of my adult circuit cases landed in Circuit Division 6, presided over by Judge Olu Stevens. I still remember my first time in Judge Stevens’ courtroom. He had his deputy sheriff come over to me and ask for my name so that he could avoid having to ask who I was in front of my client.…

Should Gender Be a Factor When Selecting a Divorce Attorney?

By Abigail Green | September 24, 2014

We frequently get calls from potential clients seeking a female divorce attorney. When asked why they are seeking a female divorce attorney, potential clients offer a variety of answers ranging from: “family court is a female realm”, “the family court judges prefer female attorneys”, and my favorite, “I’ve heard female attorneys will fight more aggressively”. Which begs the question—should gender be a factor when…

Adopt the “Long View” in Divorce

By Abigail Green | May 18, 2014

This weekend, my family and I watched my youngest sister graduate from college. It was a wonderful day and I am so proud of her accomplishment. The commencement speaker, Matthew Kelly, is a motivational speaker who discussed adopting the “long view” with the recent graduates. He discussed how as individuals and as a society, we are increasingly focused on the here and now when…

Inadequate Jail Conditions — A Reflection of the Louisville Community?

By Abigail Green | April 23, 2014

While representing incarcerated individuals, I frequently find frustration in the treatment of people at Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC). Pope John Paul II, among others, has said that a society is judged on how it treats its weakest members. Traditionally, we think of children and the elderly as being the weakest among us. Yet, we often overlook the prison population. Inmates in our…

Give Felons The Opportunity to Invest in their Communities Again

By Courtney Preston Kellner | April 7, 2014

As a lover of politics and the legislative process, I have been following closely several bills this legislative session. Perhaps, none so closely as Rep. Jesse Crenshaw’s bill to restore rights to our Commonwealth’s citizens who are convicted felons. Sadly, for those of us who are in support of this bill, it looks like it will not see passage in this year’s legislative session.…

“Wow, that’s a firm handshake” — Challenges of a Female Criminal Defense Attorney

By Abigail Green | April 6, 2014

My friend and colleague, Leslie Smith, posed a great question this morning on Facebook. She asked: “Female criminal defense attorneys: does anyone know why there aren't that many of us?” While there are female attorneys working as prosecutors and public defenders, there are few female criminal defense attorneys in the private bar. There are even fewer that focus solely on criminal law. A discussion…

How Waterfront Park Can Lead to Positive Change

By Abigail Green | April 2, 2014

Droves of criminal teenagers swarming Louisville like the zombie mobs in the Walking Dead. Media portrayals of teen mobs at Waterfront Park brought those images to my mind. Our community is rightfully concerned about safety as well as what led teenagers to engage in such behavior. People are talking about carrying weapons in case of a teenager attack. At the office, we’ve joked that…