Karen Faulkner

Karen is an experienced attorney who has worked in our local courts for sixteen years. She has been recognized by her peers as one of Louisville Magazine’s “Top Lawyers,” and is a graduate of the University of Louisville’s, Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, where she also served as a professor. Karen is proud to call Louisville her home.

After college, Karen obtained her J.D. from the University of Louisville. As a law student she also worked with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, in the child abuse and domestic violence unit and the Center for Women and Families as a victim’s advocate. Upon graduation she joined the Public Defender’s Office, where she would ultimately begin to build her career as an attorney.

After more than five years as a public defender, Karen took what she’d learned as a public servant and opened a private practice, where she has continued to defend her clients and work for their freedom. Her work as a Parent’s Attorney in Family Court, along with her passionate representation of juveniles for the Department of Juvenile Justice, has earned her the honor of being recognized for five consecutive years as one of Louisville Magazine’s “Top Lawyers.” At the same time, Karen served as an adjunct professor at the Brandeis School of Law, lecturing on Trial Practice in 2013 and 2015. She often speaks to students of various ages about the criminal and juvenile justice systems and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Louisville, Legal Aide, Ivy Tech, and Brown Mackie College.

In January 2014, Karen made the decision to run for the office of County Attorney because she saw a need for change and felt it was time to demand it.  Today, her dedication to the people of Jefferson County has only grown more fervent, so she decided to stand for election as District Court Judge.  As Judge she will make certain that all people who enter the court system, both the victims and the accused, are treated fairly and with respect.  She will work to uphold the law and ensure her courtroom is run efficiently and fairly.  Karen promises to support Mental Health Court, Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Restorative Justice, and any other programs that become available in District Court and would like to work on expanding social programs for youth that are involved in the Juvenile Justice system.  She is a supporter of bail reform and following the law as it pertains to setting reasonable bail so that all factors, including ability to pay is part of the discussion.

Karen is a wife and mother to seven year old, Liam, and one year old Leo, who always keeps her on her toes.  She understands the challenges of being a working parent and will strive to make her courtroom accessible to all.  In everything she has undertaken in life, Karen has been hard-working and dedicated. The people of Jefferson County deserve no less in their District Court Judge.