Former Judge returns to the courtroom as public defender

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Practicing law can be challenging on many levels, from assistants to judges. Fighting for justice can become almost an addiction, and for one local man, it seems to be just that.

Retired Warren County Circuit Court Judge, Steve Wilson, is stepping back into the courtroom in a new role, this time as a public defender. His love for the legal profession began as a young lawyer, gaining early experience in the County Attorney’s Office.

“County Attorney’s Office was a good experience because it threw me into a courtroom every day. Every day I got to see lawyers, judges, prosecutors, legal secretaries, clerks … I got to know everybody’s role,” Wilson said.

Soon he became a Commonwealth’s attorney, trying larger cases and making a positive impact in the community.

“Working with the police, preparing cases, trying cases…it was an outstanding feeling to use my profession in a very positive and meaningful way. I very much enjoyed it,” Wilson said.

After 13 years, Wilson ran unopposed for a seat as Warren County Circuit Court judge. He said he never envisioned being a judge, but the role was humbling.

“When you walk out onto a bench with a black robe on, it is humbling and scary. You think, in a lot of ways, that you’re playing some kind of role because I never envisioned myself being here,” he said.

After nearly 20 years on the bench, Wilson decided not to run again and officially left in 2023. But he soon missed the courtroom’s energy and decided to return as a public defender.

“I wanted to be back in the game, not merely as a referee. Being a referee is important, but there’s nothing like being in the game and trying your best to seek justice,” Wilson said.

He said he looks forward to following the lessons his mentors taught him as a young lawyer: providing the best service to his clients.

His family was fully supportive of his return, and so were his new colleagues at the Bowling Green North DPA Trial Office.

“The Bowling Green North DPA Trial Office is beyond excited that Judge Steve Wilson has decided to return to the courtroom with our office. I appeared before Judge Wilson as a public defender for about 10 years before his retirement, and it was always a pleasure. As a judge, he has served as a mentor to many public defenders, including myself. Now he will continue that as a colleague,” said Alyson McDavitt, the office’s directing attorney.

“He brings a tremendous wealth of experience to our office, and our clients will greatly benefit from having him advocating on their behalf. He is an absolute treasure in the local criminal justice system, and we are incredibly lucky he chose to serve the community in this new capacity.”