1996 Hall of Fame Inductee Jennifer B. Coffman Class of 1978

Quoted in the Lexington Herald-Leader as saying she would strive to give everyone an “equal playing field”, Jennifer Coffman was sworn in as Kentucky’s first female federal judge in 1993. 

Born in Western Kentucky and a graduate of Fulton County High School, Coffman holds an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Kentucky along with an M.S. in Library Science and a J.D. from the College of Law in 1978. She has served as a member of the College’s Visiting Committee, a Director of the Law Alumni Association, and a resource to law students. 

From 1982 until 1992, Judge Co\ffman was a partner with the firm of Brooks, Coffman & Fitzpatrick in Lexington. In 1992, she became a partner in the Lexinton firm of Newberry, Hargrove & Rambicure where she practiced until her nomination and selection to the federal bench in 1993. She replaced the Hon. Eugene Siler, who in 1991 moved to the federal appeals court.

Judge Coffman makes her home in Lexington with her husband, Wesley Coffman, and their two children, Will and Blair.