The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council on Wednesday unanimously confirmed David Barbary as the city’s next commissioner of law following a brief public confirmation hearing and closed-session deliberations. Barbary, a longtime attorney in the Department of Law who has served as acting commi ssioner, told council members he has worked for Lexington’s government since 2000 and has served under five mayors and more than a dozen councils. He thanked Mayor Linda Gorton for nominating him and said he hopes his interim service demonstrated his readiness for the role. “I think it’s probably one of the greatest places in the world you can raise your family,” Barbary said of Lexington, recounting his move from Florida two decades ago to join LFUCG’s legal department. During the hearing, council members questioned Barbary on topics ranging from professional ethics to fiscal law and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in legal practice. Councilmember Tyler Morton asked how Barbary balances legal advice between the mayor and council, given that council does not have independent legal counsel. Barbary said the department’s role is to represent the government as a whole, not individual officials. “We’re giving the same advice to the mayor that we’re giving you all,” Barbary said. “We tell her no as much as we tell you no.” Councilmember Dave Sevigny pressed Barbary on why certain restricted funds—such as landfill or special-purpose funds—cannot be repurposed by council. Barbary explained that changes in case law have tightened restrictions on how fees and special revenues can be spent, warning that improper use could expose council members to personal liability. “We’re probably, maybe even sometimes overly cautious,” Barbary said, “because we don’t want to put you all in a situation of having some level of exposure.” Councilmember Emma Curtis asked what surprised Barbary most during his time as acting commissioner. Barbary pointed to an unprecedented conflict between two council members that required legal navigation to preserve district representation while complying with court orders. Councilmember Shayla Lynch asked whether Barbary plans any changes if confirmed. Barbary said his focus is rebuilding institutional knowledge within the department as veteran attorneys approach retirement. “We lost a lot of institutional experience in the last five years,” he said. “I want to put us in the best position possible.” Councilmember Chuck Ellinger also raised questions about artificial intelligence in legal work. Barbary said the department is developing an internal policy and acknowledged AI’s growing role, while cautioning that outputs must be carefully verified to avoid errors such as false citations. After the public questioning, the council voted to enter closed session. Upon returning to open session, members announced Barbary’s approval as commissioner of law and adjourned the meeting. The confirmation makes Barbary the city’s top legal officer after more than two decades serving inside Lexington’s Department of Law. The post Barbary confirmed as Lexington’s commissioner of law after closed-session vote appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less