Governor Fletcher appoints Public Advocate
for a 3rd Term
(Frankfort, KY, August 16, 2004) Governor Ernie Fletcher recently appointed Ernie W. Lewis to his 3rd term as Public Advocate for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. DPA represents over 100,000 citizens each year in Kentucky's trial and appellate courts.
“The staff of the Kentucky's statewide defender program protects what we value most - our liberty and our life”, Lewis states. “I’m appreciative of the confidence that this administration has demonstrated by this reappointment”.
A native of Missouri Ernie received his BA degree from Baylor University, a Masters of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University, and graduated from the Washington University Law School in St. Louis. He has been with DPA since his graduation from Law School in 1977.
Lewis has been on the faculty of the National Criminal Defense College since 1985, currently serves on the faculty of the National Defender Leadership Institute, is a member of the Executive Committee of the American Council of Chief Defenders, and has testified on indigent defense issues before task forces in Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and last week in Louisiana. In 2000, Lewis was selected by the Kentucky Bar Association as Kentucky's Outstanding Lawyer.
"Ernie Lewis has done an outstanding job for the Department of Public Advocacy," says Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence. "For years, Ernie has helped make sure that every person in Kentucky has had the opportunity to a fair trial. We think he'll continue to do a good job in the future."
The Department of Public Advocacy is administratively attached to the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Lieutenant Governor Pence also serves as the cabinet secretary. Pence endorsed and recommended Lewis be re-appointed to the position of Public Advocate.
A father or two, Lewis currently resides in Richmond.
