2012 Hall of Fame Inductee William E. Johnson Class of 1957

William Edward Johnson is a 1957 graduate of the College of Law. He is a partner in the law firm of Johnson, True & Guarnieri, LLP engaging in all areas of trial practice and administrative law.

Mr. Johnson’s numerous achievements and memberships include the following: K.B.A. Vice President (2012 - 2013) K.B.A., Board of Governors (1981-1983) Chairman of the House of Delegates (1979) Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Board of Governors (1980-1983) Kentucky Academy of Trial Attorneys, President (1979) Franklin County Bar Association, President (1980) K.A.C.D.L., President (1990) ATLA Exchange, Chairman (1983) former member Kentucky Criminal Rules Committee former member Kentucky Civil Rules Committee former member Appellate Handbook Committee ABA Litigation Trial Practice Committee (1983-1984) K.B.A. Litigation Committee (1988) K.B.A. Ethics Committee (2000) Public Advocacy Commission (2002-2006) and former member Judicial Nominating Commission. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (1986), American Board of Criminal Lawyers (1980) and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers (1994). 

Mr. Johnson is listed in Kentucky Super Lawyers and has been continuously listed in the Best Lawyers in America since 1984. In 1991, he was the recipient of the “War Horse” award by the Southern Trial Lawyers Association, and in 1997 he was a recipient of the E.K.U. National Alumni Association Achievement Award. Mr. Johnson was awarded the Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award by the Department of Public Advocacy in 2001. 

Mr. Johnson served his country as an Infantry Officer attaining the rank of Captain in the United States Army. He has tried hundreds of cases to verdict in his 50 plus years as an attorney.