Remembering Justice Martin E. Johnstone: A Legacy of Service, Integrity, and Mentorship

The University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law honors the life and legacy of distinguished alumnus Justice Martin E. Johnstone, whose decades of service to Kentucky's legal system left an indelible mark on the judiciary, the legal profession, and generations of attorneys.

A 1973 graduate of Brandeis Law, Justice Johnstone built an extraordinary career defined by integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to public service. He made Kentucky history as the first person elected to all four levels of the state's unified Court of Justice, beginning with his election as a Jefferson County magistrate in 1976. He went on to serve on the Jefferson District Court, Jefferson Circuit Court, the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and the Kentucky Supreme Court, where he served from 1996 until his retirement in 2006, concluding his tenure as Associate Chief Justice.

Throughout his career, Justice Johnstone earned widespread respect for his judicial temperament, professionalism, and dedication to treating every person who entered his courtroom with dignity and respect. He consistently received the highest marks in bar association evaluations and was honored with numerous awards recognizing his leadership and service to Kentucky's judiciary.

His connection to Brandeis Law remained strong long after graduation. In recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to the legal profession, the law school presented him with the Laurence Grauman Award. He was also widely known as a mentor to young attorneys and recent graduates, generously sharing his wisdom and encouraging the next generation of legal professionals to uphold the highest standards of the profession.

While Justice Johnstone's professional accomplishments were remarkable, those who knew him remember him just as fondly for his kindness, humility, generosity, and genuine care for others. His example demonstrated that excellence in the law is measured not only by legal scholarship and judicial service, but also by character and compassion.

Justice Johnstone passed away on July 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cathy Wagner Johnstone, his son, Martin Dustin Johnstone (Kelley), his grandchildren, Claire and Martin, his brother, Rick Johnstone (Linda), and many nieces and nephews.

The Brandeis Law community extends its heartfelt condolences to Justice Johnstone's family and joins the many members of Kentucky's legal community in celebrating a life dedicated to justice, service, mentorship, and the rule of law.