IN RE: Brendan Joseph MCLEOD (2026)

OPINION AND ORDER

Pursuant to SCR ¹ 3.050, Brendan Joseph McLeod, Kentucky Bar Association (“KBA”) Member Number 88994, appeals his non-disciplinary suspension from the practice of law for nonpayment of his annual bar dues. McLeod was admitted to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky on October 10, 2001. His bar roster address is 2403 Windsor Forest Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40272.

The KBA sent notices regarding his 2025-2026 bar dues to McLeod's official email address ² on July 23, 2025; August 20, 2025; September 13, 2025; September 29, 2025; November 12, 2025; November 18, 2025; and November 20, 2025. McLeod's name was certified to the KBA Board of Governors on November 21, 2025, as being delinquent in payment of his 2025-2026 dues as well as a late fee assessed after the official due date of September 1, 2025, and a late fee for noncompliance with SCR 3.023. A Show Cause Notice of Delinquency was sent via certified mail on November 24, 2025, to McLeod's bar roster address. The mailing was returned as “unclaimed” and “unable to forward.” The returned notice was sent to two additional addresses found for McLeod on January 7, 2026. Additional emails were sent to McLeod on December 6, 2025, and January 12, 2026. A voicemail concerning the delinquency was left on January 12, 2026. On January 16, 2026, the Board of Governors suspended McLeod from the practice of law for nonpayment of his annual dues pursuant to SCR 3.050.

McLeod timely appealed his suspension. Included in his appeal is the required affidavit setting forth what he avers is a showing of good cause to revoke his suspension. He asserts his capacity and attention to administrative matters was hampered by large trial obligations, significant personal illness, and the passing of his father. McLeod also claims he made attempts to pay his dues via the KBA website earlier in the dues cycle when the site was being rebuilt or was unable to accept payments. He tendered a certification from the KBA Accounting Department dated February 12, 2026, showing that he has paid his membership dues and late fees through the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The Executive Director of the KBA filed a response setting forth the factual background and confirming McLeod has satisfied his delinquency. The response further requested McLeod be restored to active membership without restriction.

Based on our review of the facts of this case and the recommendation of the KBA, we conclude McLeod has shown adequate cause for his failure to timely pay his dues. Therefore, and noting there is no indication McLeod has previously been delinquent in paying his annual dues, it is appropriate to grant McLeod's appeal.

ACCORDINGLY, IT IS ORDERED THAT:

1. The suspension for failure to pay dues imposed on Brendan Joseph McLeod by the KBA is hereby revoked and he is restored to membership in the KBA and to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

2. McLeod shall be responsible for payment of all required bar dues which may come due between the time of his appeal and the issuance of this order.

/s/ Debra Hembree Lambert

CHIEF JUSTICE

FOOTNOTES

1.   Rules of the Supreme Court.

2.   See SCR 3.035(1)(b).

All sitting. All concur