On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kentucky issued a public reprimand to attorney Walter Bedford Jr. for multiple violations of the Kentucky Supreme Court Rules (SCR) related to his handling of a probate case. The court’s decision came after Bedford requested a negotiated sanction to resolve a pending disciplinary proceeding against him, a request that was supported by the Kentucky Bar Association (KBA).
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Walter Bedford Jr.,” with case no. 2024-SC-0551-KB.
Bedford faced allegations stemming from his role as the executor of the estate of Clara Howard Jackson. The issues began after Jackson passed away on December 30, 2019, leaving behind over $7,000 in her checking account. Margaret Hayes, Jackson’s niece and the sole beneficiary of the estate had to cover her aunt’s funeral expenses of $3,000 out-of-pocket without any reimbursement from Bedford.
In July 2020, Bedford informed Hayes that the funds from Jackson’s account would be deposited into a probate account. However, he failed to file the necessary probate petition until March 9, 2021, despite having signed it on July 20, 2020. Bedford missed two scheduled court dates in 2021, making only one appearance on July 12, 2021, where he was officially appointed as executor.
Over the following months, Bedford issued several checks from Jackson’s estate account, including a $3,500 check to himself labeled as a retainer fee, and additional checks for property tax payments and other expenses. These transactions resulted in the estate’s balance declining significantly, from $7,771.38 to just $172.31.
Bedford’s lack of diligence in managing the estate led to a show cause order being issued, which was ultimately returned as undeliverable. This order was not sent to his official KBA address, even though it was included on the probate petition. By November 2022, Hayes had to pay the estate’s property taxes herself, prompting her to hire a new attorney to help settle the probate case. A motion to remove Bedford as executor was granted by the court on March 15, 2023.
Following these events, Hayes filed a complaint against Bedford with the KBA on September 7, 2023. The Inquiry Commission subsequently issued a three-count charge against him. The first count involved a failure to act with diligence, the second count related to the mishandling of estate property, and the third count concerned his failure to return estate funds after being removed as executor. Bedford admitted to the violations outlined in the charges.
On September 19, 2024, Bedford requested an Honorary Membership Inactive Status with the KBA, indicating his intention to retire from legal practice. He later filed a motion for a negotiated sanction, proposing a public reprimand and repayment of the unearned fees to the estate. The KBA did not object to this proposal.
The Supreme Court of Kentucky, in its analysis, considered Bedford’s long history in the legal profession and the circumstances surrounding the case, including personal challenges he faced while caring for his wife during her illness. The court acknowledged Bedford’s expression of remorse and noted that he had no prior disciplinary record.
Ultimately, the court found the proposed sanction appropriate, issuing a public reprimand to Bedford for violations of SCR 3.130(1.3), SCR 3.130(1.15)(a), and SCR 3.130(1.16)(d). Additionally, Bedford was ordered to repay $5,979.00 to the estate of Clara Howard Jackson within one year and to cover the costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings, amounting to $220.90.
The Disposition states:
“ACCORDINGLY, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: Walter Bedford Jr., KBA Member Number 04250, is hereby publicly reprimanded for the above-described violations of SCR 3.130(1.3), SCR 3.130(1.15)(a), and SCR 3.130(1.16)(d).”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Beford Jr. is an attorney in Louisville, Kentucky. He acquired his law license in Kentucky in 1974.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
