On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kentucky denied the application for reinstatement of attorney Travis Olen Myles, Jr. His reinstatement bid came nearly nine years after his last suspension, a period marked by multiple disciplinary actions.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Travis Olen Myles, Jr.,” with case no. 2025-SC-0192-KB.
Myles faced a series of suspensions throughout his legal career. In 2009, he received an initial suspension of 181 days, which included 11 days probated over five years. This was followed by a revocation of his probation in 2012, resulting in an additional 151-day suspension. In 2013, he received a public reprimand, and by 2014, he faced yet another suspension of 61 days.
His application for reinstatement, submitted on March 27, 2023, was evaluated by the Office of Bar Counsel, leading to an evidentiary hearing conducted by the Character and Fitness Committee on October 29, 2024. Following the hearing, the Committee recommended against Myles’ reinstatement, a suggestion that the Supreme Court upheld in its final decision.
The Court emphasized that the burden of proof rests on the applicant to demonstrate, through clear and convincing evidence, that they possess the necessary character, fitness, and moral qualifications for re-admission to the practice of law. The Committee assessed various factors, including the nature of Myles’ past misconduct, compliance with suspension terms, and his current moral character.
A significant issue in Myles’ case was his failure to repay a total of $53,220.31 to his former partner’s estate, as mandated by the Court. Despite acknowledging this failure, Myles claimed that the statute of limitations had expired and that the claim had been waived. However, the Committee found these defenses insufficient, stating that his non-compliance alone constituted a barrier to reinstatement.
Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns about Myles’ honesty regarding his employment with the Social Security Administration (SSA). He failed to disclose his suspended status when he was hired in 2009 and misrepresented his attempts to seek reinstatement to his employer. This pattern of dishonesty further weighed against his application.
The Court also noted that Myles had not demonstrated sufficient professional capabilities to serve the public as an attorney. Although he received favorable evaluations in his current role with the SSA, the requirement that he hold an active bar license for that position raised further doubts about his qualifications.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court concluded that Myles did not meet the necessary standards for reinstatement. He was ordered to pay $4,396.99 in costs associated with the investigation and prosecution of the proceeding.
The Disposition states:
“ACCORDINGLY, it is hereby ORDERED as follows: The application of Travis Olen Myles, Jr., for reinstatement to the practice of law is DENIED.”
According to the filing, Mr. Myles Jr. was admitted to the practice of law in Kentucky in 1998.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
