Growing up in Kentucky, attending public schools and graduating from the University of Louisville three times, I have successfully practiced law at the county, state and federal levels for over 25 years. My extensive courtroom experience in family law, criminal and civil litigation, and mediation makes me highly qualified to be your next Family Court Judge in Jefferson County.  

Before graduating law school, I was a special education teacher and master’s level reading specialist.  I used that valuable experience to become a member of Law Review for the Journal of Family Law and later became the Editor of the Journal of Law and Education, both being international publications providing relevant academic articles on all aspects of family and education law.  My solid background in family law and education supports my passion for Family Court, justice reform and keeping our community safe. 

My successful Family Court and mediation experience includes the traditional matters of divorce and custody, domestic violence, emergency protective orders, and dependency neglect and abuse cases.  Yet today’s Family Court cases can present added distinct challenges that require certain knowledge, skills, and qualities involving business law, estate planning, contract law, intellectual property, military law, immigration law, general civil law, and criminal law.  I bring an abundance of that exact needed experience into the Family Court because of my broad and successful legal problem-solving roles, including being appointed to the state’s Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Board.    

Truth, Justice and Fairness are hallmarks of the courtroom, and my pledge is to uphold those every day as I serve the citizens of our great Commonwealth.  As your next Family Court Judge I will work closely with county and state resource partners to address the needs of families and children to support what is in the best interest of our children and families, promote unity in our communities, and help change the trajectory of young lives at risk.

I’m committed to Family Court excellence in public service and respectfully ask for your vote!

Claudette Patton

*Special Notice: Some groups issue endorsements without the approval or request of the candidate. Only materials disbursed by the Committee to Elect Claudette Patton as Family Court Judge, the campaign website, or statements made at forums or in response to official surveys reflect the views and credentials of the candidate.*

J.D., Louis D. Brandeis School of Law – University of Louisville, 1986.

                     Law Review, Journal of Family Law

                     Editor, Journal of Law and Education.

                     Member, Delta Theta Phi – Legal Fraternity

Moot Court Team – Judge & Mentor

Mock Trial Team

Law Library and Orientation Committee                                  

M. Ed., Reading with high honors, University of Louisville, 1982.

Graduate Assistant, University Learning Improvement Center.

B.S., Education, with high honors, University of Louisville, 1981.

Kappa Delta Pi, Honor Society

Dean’s List

Dean’s Scholar

Who’s Who of American Colleges

Sigma Tau Alpha Sorority

Patton Law – Trial attorney noted for skill in handling complex and challenging cases in family law, domestic violence, emergency protective orders, child abuse and neglect, education law, and mediation. With 25 years of experience, the firm practices at the highest levels of professionalism and is recognized by leaders in the legal community and throughout Kentucky for ethical standards and client satisfaction.

Wilhoit Law Office – Trial attorney concentrated in juvenile and family court, commercial business transactions, trusts and estates, banking, contracts, and intellectual property. Teen Court and Youth Leadership Development Advisor.

Association of Corporate Counsel of Florida – Executive Director responsible for 500+ legal executives, authored continuing legal education course content and managed state bar certifications.

University of Miami / Changsha University – Associate Professor taught graduate school courses on global legal and business management issues including international legal transactions, foreign competition, joint ventures and strategic multinational alliances.    

Patton & Patton – Private law practice concentrated in areas of adoption and family law

Roach, Becker and Wheat – Private law practice concentrated in areas of trademark, copyright, contracts and adoptions.

United States District Court, Sixth Circuit – Judicial Law Clerk and analyzed pleadings and opinions.

Office of the Attorney General for Kentucky – Assistant Attorney General and conducted investigations regarding Medicaid fraud and elder abuse, wrote and drafted pleadings, and prosecuted cases.