From dreams to the courtroom: local alum graduates from law school, becomes assistant attorney

By News Reporter Gabby Cedano

Zachary Naylor is a 2019 graduate of University Heights Academy and after completing law school and passing the Bar Exam, he was sworn in as an attorney in early October and now works as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Hardin County. 

 From early inspiration to professional mentorship, Naylor’s path to the courtroom has been shaped by purpose, people and persistence. Naylor says he always knew he wanted to be a lawyer ever since he learned what an attorney does. After talking with his mother about what they do, he says he decided to pursue the career. 

His early curiosity turned into action while he was still in high school. Naylor says he was accepted into the University of Kentucky’s Blue Program with the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, which is a three-and-three program where he received his undergraduate degree in three years and then went straight into law school, graduating at 23 years old. He says completing the program was a key step in making his dreams come true. 

Mentorship has played a key role throughout Naylor’s journey, starting in his hometown of Hopkinsville. He says Judge Jason Flemming was always there for him to talk to and inspired him to do what he eventually hopes to do, become a family court judge. Then, Naylor says Judge John Atkins is also a supporter and has known him for all of his life. 

Law school professors were also instrumental in helping him navigate the challenges of becoming a first-generation lawyer. Naylor says Professor Johnathan Shaub was a great resource and Professor Zachary Bray really took him under his wing. 

Naylor was sworn in earlier this month by Atkins. He says that it was a very special moment to have his entire family there and to be sworn in by someone who knew how important that was, especially for his grandmother, who has known Atkins for a very long time. 

In his current role, Naylor works in the dynamic, fast-paced environment of prosecution. He says the typical day varies. One day he could be working on his own cases to make sure everything is correct and then the next day, he could be presenting to the grand jury. Naylor says it is really interesting and fun to kind of be on his toes instead of just locked behind a computer all day, every day. 

A strong support system continues to shape his professional growth. Naylor says that his work experience has been great so far. He says he is working for an amazing boss, Shane Young, who was actually just named Commonwealth Attorney of the Year this summer. He says Young has been a great mentor and has made his transition really smooth, being with him every step of the way.  

Looking ahead, Naylor remains committed to serving the public and growing in his role. He says in the next five to ten years he sees himself becoming a really good assistant commonwealth’s attorney that brings justice to his community to make it a safer and better place.