Conference & Speaker Program

Focuses on Student Engagement

The Initiative hosts prominent speakers from all branches of government, as well as prominent legal scholars and authors. These speakers and conference leaders are asked to engage with UK College of Law students. This focus on students enhances the stature of UK, the College of Law, and the student body that attends and so often returns to their communities to the benefit of our great Commonwealth. Past speakers include U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, and Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit.

Spotlights Key Judicial Issues of the Day

The programs put a spotlight on sensitive and timely issues of importance to judges, justices, citizens and the fabric of our life in the United States. By focusing on relevant topics and providing programs of exceptional quality, the Heyburn Initiative is distinguished as a leading resource to improve the quality of the Judiciary and to inspire all participants to excellence.

Events to Offer Uniquely Kentucky Experiences

Every program includes a Uniquely Kentucky event designed to showcase Kentucky and enhance its stature in the eyes of participants. Past participants have attended a UK-Georgia basketball game at Rupp Arena and visited the historic Keeneland property for a private sunset dinner.

Hosts Federal Judiciary Training for New Judges

The Initiative has expanded its programming to include the Federal Judicial Center's official training program for newly-confirmed U.S. District and Circuit judges. This is the first time the FJC has placed its training program at a university campus, law school, or in association with an independent initiative.

The Heyburn Initiative in October 2018 hosted its first such training program. It was attended by 16 new U.S. District and Circuit judges, 10 sitting federal judges, and incorporated all the hallmark small-group interactions for students and a Uniquely Kentucky event. A similar program was held in 2019.

The Heyburn Initiative is proud to have been named part of the regular rotation for hosting these events in the future.

Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory, United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, served as the keynote speaker on November 19, 2019 for the grand opening celebration of the J. David Rosenberg College of Law Building at the University of Kentucky. The Heyburn Initiative presented the lecture in conjunction with the Roy R. and Virginia F. Ray Distinguished Lecture Series.