2014 Hall of Fame Inductee Albert B. Chandler Class of 1986

Albert B. “Ben” Chandler III, is a graduate of the Class of 1986, which was affectionately termed the “Golden Class” by Dean Paul Van Booven. Chandler is a native of Versailles, Kentucky and is the grandson of Hall of Fame inductee, Albert B. “Happy” Chandler. He was named KBA “Young Lawyer of the Year” in 1993. Though engaged in private practice before entering electoral politics, his induction recognizes not his political accomplishments, we recognize his accomplished career in public service.

Chandler served the Commonwealth as Auditor of Public Accounts. He transformed that Office beyond its traditional role to a “watchdog” with teeth that actively investigated public corruption resulting in the recovery of $33 million in misappropriated funds and over 30 referrals to law enforcement.

In 1995, Chandler became the nation’s youngest Attorney General. His tenure was noteworthy for his doing his job regardless of the political impact. His achievements included: Foundation for A Healthy Kentucky created from a $45 million settlement with Anthem Insurance a $2 billion fund for farmers as part of the $300 billion national settlement with the cigarette companies making all Commonwealth’s Attorneys full-time prosecutors reformation of DUI laws and the Criminal Code and consumer protection initiatives like the “No Call List."

Chandler served the Commonwealth and the nation as Congressman for the Sixth District from 2004-2012. He served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He also served on the House Ethics and Science Committees, and Congressional liaison to the European Parliament. His most distinguished appointment was to the House Intelligence Committee which provides oversight of the Nation’s intelligence operations.