08/26/2025
Former Circuit Judge Clarence Allen “Woody” Woodall to Receive 9th Annual Edward H. Johnstone Award on November 18, 2025
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Bar Foundation (KBF) is proud to announce that former Circuit Judge Clarence Allen “Woody” Woodall, III, will be honored with the 9th Annual Edward H. Johnstone Award on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The event will be held at Walker Hall Event Center, 229 Madison Street Paducah, KY 42001, with cocktails at 5:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:00 p.m.
The Edward H. Johnstone Award recognizes Kentucky attorneys and judges who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the legal profession and community service. Judge Woodall exemplifies the spirit of this award through his decades of service as a lawyer, judge, mediator, and civic leader.
Woodall served as Circuit Judge of the 56th Judicial Circuit, covering Caldwell, Livingston, Lyon, and Trigg counties, from January 2007 until his retirement in February 2022. Prior to his judgeship, he practiced law in Kentucky for nearly 30 years, having graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1974. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky.
Throughout his career, Judge Woodall was deeply engaged in the legal community. He served in roles with the American Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association (member of the Board of Governors from 1st Supreme Court District for 6 years), the Kentucky Counsel of School Board Attorneys (past President), Kentucky Defense Counsel, Inc., and numerous mediation and arbitration associations. He was widely respected for his nearly 20 years of service as a mediator and arbitrator before taking the bench.
In addition to his professional contributions, Judge Woodall has been a dedicated community leader. He was an active member of the Cadiz Rotary Club for over 25 years, serving as both Board member and President, and was also past President of the Cadiz-Trigg County Chamber of Commerce. His civic service extended to the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist Commission, Troop 57 Boy Scouts, and the Trigg County UK Alumni Association. He is a parishioner of St. Stephens Catholic Church in Cadiz.
Judge Woodall and his wife, Teresa McAtee Woodall, a retired teacher from Caldwell County Primary School, are proud parents and grandparents. Together they have five grown children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The evening will celebrate Judge Woodall’s distinguished career while also supporting the Kentucky Bar Foundation’s mission to strengthen justice and promote access to the legal system. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit law-related nonprofits across the state, including organizations that support children, families, and vulnerable populations.
The deadline to purchase tickets and sponsorships is Monday, November 3, 2025. For details on the November 18 event and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit Eventbrite or contact KBF Executive Director Susan Duncan at [email protected].