Julie Jernigan

OF COUNSEL ATTORNEY

With more than 21 years of legal experience, Julie Scott Jernigan brings deep courtroom knowledge, public service, and a strong commitment to advocacy to the Law Offices of Shannon C. Smith.
Julie spent 11 years as an Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where she prosecuted death penalty cases and major felony matters across the state. Many of the cases she handled were groundbreaking, resulting in published appellate opinions. Among the most defining moments of her prosecutorial career were her oral arguments before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, reflecting her skill, preparation, and command of complex legal issues.
In addition to her work with the Attorney General’s Office, Julie served for five years as a Family Court Prosecutor and Child Support Enforcement Attorney in Grant County, Kentucky. Her career has also included service as a public defender, as well as experience in private criminal defense and civil litigation in Lexington, Kentucky. While her civil litigation experience further sharpened her legal skill set, Julie’s true passion lies in serving and protecting the most vulnerable members of her community.
Before becoming an attorney, Julie was an elementary school teacher, a background that continues to inform her patient, thoughtful, and client-centered approach to the practice of law.
Julie graduated with honors from Grant County High School (1996), Georgetown College (2000), and Chase College of Law (2004). She is deeply engaged in her community and is a member of numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Williamstown Kiwanis, Williamstown Women’s Club, Williamstown Order of the Eastern Star, Grant County Beekeepers Association, Williamstown Athletic Boosters, the Grant County and Owen County Chambers of Commerce, and the American Jersey Cattle Association. She also serves on the Advisory Council for NKU/Gateway’s Criminal Justice Division and taught as an adjunct professor for five years.
Julie resides on her family farm in Grant County, Kentucky, with her teenage son, Reid. She practices family law, business law, alcohol beverage law, and general civil litigation throughout Northern and Central Kentucky.