On Friday, June 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kentucky denied a motion by the Kentucky Bar Association (KBA) to indefinitely suspend attorney Rebekah Jean Lovell, formerly known as Rebekah Jean Rice, for failing to respond to a disciplinary charge. The court’s ruling allows Lovell to continue her legal career while addressing the pending disciplinary matter.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Rebekah Jean Lovell,” with case no. 2025-SC-0023-KB.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Amanda Kidwell, a former client who hired Lovell in May 2023 to assist with securing Medicaid long-term care benefits for her fiancé’s grandfather, Oral Zornes. Kidwell alleged that Lovell misrepresented her expertise in Medicaid regulations and failed to achieve the desired outcomes after receiving a $5,000 advance fee.
The Inquiry Commission issued a multiple count charge against Lovell on October 30, 2024, citing violations including lack of competent representation, insufficient diligence, and failure to maintain adequate communication with Kidwell.
Lovell initially responded to the complaint, detailing her efforts on the case and citing personal challenges, including severe pregnancy complications, postpartum health issues, and her infant’s hospitalization. However, she did not file a formal answer to the charge by the deadline, prompting the KBA’s suspension motion on January 17, 2025.
On March 3, 2025, the court issued a show cause order, and Lovell, now represented by counsel, responded on April 21, 2025, explaining her inattention to the matter due to professional and emotional difficulties, including diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
The Supreme Court found Lovell’s response sufficient to avoid suspension, noting her intermittent communication with the Office of Bar Counsel and her recent engagement with the Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program (KYLAP). The court ordered Lovell to file a formal answer to the charge within 30 days and remanded the case to the KBA for further proceedings.
According to Avvo.com, Ms. Lovell is an attorney in Maysville, Kentucky. She acquired her law license in Kentucky in 2013.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
