Chris Rhoads, a longtime Owensboro attorney and partner at Rhoads & Rhoads, has been sworn in as the 2026 president of the Kentucky Justice Association (KJA) — the statewide organization that advocates for civil justice and supports trial lawyers representing individuals in Kentucky courts.
Rhoads has served on the KJA Board of Governors for more than two decades and was elected to the executive committee several years ago. After moving through leadership roles including secretary/treasurer, vice president, and president-elect, he was officially sworn in this December as president.
“It’s really been a blessing and an honor just to be on the Board of Governors these last number of years,” Rhoads said. “To now take on a leadership position like this is very meaningful.”
KJA, formerly known as the Kentucky Academy of Trial Attorneys, has about 1,000 members across the state. The organization works to protect civil justice rights, support attorneys who represent injured or disabled individuals, and provide ongoing legal education.
Rhoads said his journey to the presidency was shaped not only by his professional background but also by his family legacy. His father, who co-founded Rhoads & Rhoads, also served as president of KJA in the early 1990s and was heavily involved in legislative advocacy.
“I’ve been practicing law for 30 years,” Rhoads said. “After five years doing defense work in Lexington, my wife Char and I moved back to Owensboro, and I joined the family firm. That’s when I began doing plaintiffs’ work and became active in KJA. It’s the organization that truly supports trial lawyers and protects consumer rights.”
As president, Rhoads said his primary responsibilities will focus on advocacy during the 2026 legislative session in Frankfort. He plans to testify before committees, meet with lawmakers, and work to block any proposed bills that might infringe on Kentuckians’ access to the court system.
“There are often bills introduced with unintended consequences that could harm consumers,” Rhoads said. “My role is to be the voice of the people and make sure those in power understand what’s at stake.”
KJA also supports appellate cases and coordinates legal education programs. Rhoads said he’s particularly excited that the organization’s annual convention — typically held in larger cities like Louisville or Lexington — will be hosted in Owensboro this September.
“That’s a big deal for Owensboro and something I’m really proud of,” he said.
Rhoads’ term as president lasts one year, but his service on the executive committee spans six years, including time as past president in 2027.
Beyond his legislative work, Rhoads said his goals include expanding KJA’s reach to more rural communities across the Commonwealth, growing membership, and investing in the mentorship of young attorneys.
“We want to make sure this isn’t just an organization centered around the Golden Triangle,” he said. “Whether you’re in Pikeville or Paducah, we want attorneys to know they can be involved, mentored, and heard.”
Ultimately, Rhoads said KJA is about leveling the playing field.
“We rebranded from the Academy of Trial Attorneys to the Justice Association for a reason,” he said. “We’re not just here for lawyers — we’re here to protect the people of Kentucky.”
