Kayla has dedicated her career to federal criminal defense and civil rights, with a proven track record in handling complex cases. In recent years, she has tried three federal criminal cases and, in 2022, was appointed by the federal bench in the Western District of Kentucky to serve on the Criminal Justice Act Panel. In this role, she represents individuals in criminal cases who cannot afford counsel.
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville
- Associate Member, Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court
- Vice Co-Chair, Federal Practice Section, Louisville Bar Association
- Externships at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky and the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, summa cum laude, University of Kentucky
Recent Awards and Accomplishments:
- Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch 2025; Criminal Defense – White-Collar
- Super Lawyers Rising Star 2025
- Acquittal of a mining executive charged with defrauding the Mine Health and Safety Administration
- Dismissal of a federal drug case due to a flawed investigation by law enforcement
A proud Louisville native and graduate of Dupont Manual High School, Kayla enjoys cooking, traveling, Pilates, and spending time with her Chocolate Lab, Henry, in her downtime.
