Michael P. Bartlett

I was raised in Edgewood, Kentucky, attended Covington Catholic High School and later graduated from the University of Louisville. I am a lifelong resident of Kenton County, although I lived in Louisville for four years while attending college there. I currently live in Fort Wright.

I have always wanted to be a lawyer. I remember spending time in my father's law office on the weekends and then in his chambers after he became a judge.  When I was younger, everything seemed much bigger. The bookshelves in the library, the table in the conference room, and the desks in the partner's offices all seemed very big and important.

I applied to law schools during my senior year at U of L. During the process, I had to write an essay on why I wanted to become an attorney. After much thought, I realized why I wanted to pursue a career in the legal profession. I wanted to help people and I believed becoming an attorney could make that happen. I finished my essay, mailed the applications and hit the road with some close friends on the way to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. 

Later that year, I began my studies at the Salmon P. Chase College of Law and I started clerking for Taliaferro, Shirooni, Carran & Keys after completing my first year of school. Working with the attorneys and staff at the firm while I was in school was a tremendous learning experience. Most importantly, I learned the Taliaferro Theory of the Practice of Law. I learned that practicing law is not about bookshelves, conference rooms and big desks and everything that was so big and important when I was young didn't seem so impressive. I quickly learned that preparation, overachieving, and taking care of your clients, family and friends are the most important things an attorney can do. 

I graduated from Chase in May 2008 and I was admitted to practice in Kentucky later that year in October. Since then, working as an associate attorney with so many experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected colleagues has been and continues to be an immeasurable experience.  

Phil Taliaferro once told me that practicing law was so much fun that it was like getting paid to eat ice cream. So far, I have had some fun practicing law but I have also found time to enjoy myself outside of work. I enjoy the art of fly fishing, spending time in my garden and one day I hope to be involved in motorcycle racing.