FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 15, 2004)- Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet Secretary LaJuana Wilcher has selected William "Bill" Emrick, of Ashland, to serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Legal Services.

Emrick, 50, previously served as a partner in the Ashland law firm McKenzie, Woolery, Emrick & Webb, P.S.C. During his more than 25 years with the firm, he has garnered vast experience with civil rights, workers compensation, labor relations and equal employment opportunity related cases representing both workers and management.

"Bill Emrick brings extensive and broad experience to the cabinet," said Secretary Wilcher. "His labor background is going to serve as a great resource in his role as executive director. He is certainly a welcome addition to the cabinet."

Emrick has practiced before the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, United States Bankruptcy Court and United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In addition, Emrick has handled cases before the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Prisons as well as the Social Security Administration. He also practiced before many of the commissions of the Kentucky Department of Public Protection.

Emrick earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1975, where he graduated with high distinction and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He obtained a Juris Doctor degree from UK in 1978.

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