Kentucky Court of Appeals
4th Judicial District

Hon. Denise G. Clayton
Division 2

Judge Denise Clayton is the first black woman to serve on the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

Prior to her tenure on the Court of Appeals, Judge Clayton was the first black woman to serve as a Kentucky Circuit Court judge. She was selected as chief circuit and regional judge for Jefferson County. Judge Clayton was also a judge in the District and Family Courts.

Before serving in District Court, Judge Clayton maintained a private law practice, and had worked as an attorney for the Internal Revenue Service, the University of Louisville Student Legal Services office, and the Legal Aid Society.

Judge Clayton is a graduate of Defiance College and of the University of Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law.

Judge Clayton is the chairperson of the Chief Justice’s Commission on Racial Fairness for the Jefferson County’s Courts. She is active in several professional and community organizations.

Judge Clayton received the 2012 Distinguished Judge Award given by the Kentucky Bar Association. She received the Louisville Bar Association’s Justice William E. McAnulty, Jr. Trailblazer Award, the Louisville Chapter NAACP Meritorious Service Award, an award from Who’s Who in Black Louisville, as well as other awards and recognition.