Prominent Northern Kentucky attorney William T. Bill Robinson has died.
The American Bar Association (ABA), which Robinson served as president in 2011-12, made the announcement on Tuesday. The Northern Kentucky Bas Association also announced Robinson’s death.
Bill Robinson in 1988 (via Kenton Co. Public Library)
The news comes just days after the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce announced a new award that was named in Robinson’s honor, noting his many years of service and influence in the community.
“Never too busy to help out a friend, Robinson was an indefatigable champion of the rule of law and an independent judiciary,” ABA president Linda Klein said in a statement. “He fought tirelessly to secure adequate court funding. During his term as ABA president, Robinson focused on the issue, pushing constantly for state courts to get the money they needed. By shining a bright public spotlight on the human consequences of underfunded courts—including delayed justice for individuals and long lines around courthouses—he is credited with convincing many state legislatures to address the issue.”
Robinson, member-in-charge at law firm Frost Brown Todd’s Florence office, was a member of the Kenton County Airport Board, served as chair of the NKY Chamber in 1986-87, and helped found the Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (Tri-ED), which he had served as secretary/treasurer since 1987.
“Bill Robinson was an outstanding leader of our community, a true Hall of Famer,” said Trey Grayson, president of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “The visionary behind the creation of Tri-ED, Bill was involved with nearly every important organization in Northern Kentucky at some point in his legendary career. In his profession, he reached national prominence by becoming the president of the American Bar Association. More importantly, he was a good friend and mentor to so many of us in the NKY Chamber family.”
Grayson noted that in a farewell note that Robinson posted on his CaringBridge page, where friends and family could keep up with his cancer battle, Robinson stated that “even the greatest poems, movies and books must have an ending.” “While today may have marked the ending of Bill’s time with us on earth, his legacy of contribution to the success and vibrancy of Northern Kentucky will endure.,” Grayson said.
Robinson will be the first recipient of his namesake award at the NKY Chamber’s annual dinner in September, Grayson said.
Bill Robinson (right) shakes hands with Kenton Co. Judge/Executive Bob Aldenmeyer in 1986 (via Kenton Co. Public Library)
He was a graduate of Thomas More College and the University of Kentucky College of Law, which inducted him into its alumni hall of fame in 2004. At Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Robinson served as an adjunct professor from 1977 to 1985, and was given the inaugural Honorary Alumnus Award in 2010, and an honorary doctor of law degree in 2011 when he gave the school’s commencement address.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend, William T. “Bill” Robinson III, who was a prominent member of the Kentucky legal community for more than four decades,” said U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, in a statement. “Bill was a champion for the judiciary and served in numerous rolls in the American Bar Association, including as its 135th President. Known for his warmth and positivity, he left behind many who were touched by his kindness. Elaine and I send our condolences to his wife, Joan, his friends, and his family.”
“It is a very sad day in Northern Kentucky with the passing of Bill Robinson,” said Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. “Any man could be proud having accomplished only a fraction of what Bill did in his life, and his legacy will live on forever. From business organizations like Tri-ED to organizations serving those most in need like Redwood, Bill never stopped giving to others. His character, professionalism, positive outlook, high energy, class, and faith are standards that we all can look up to for our entire lives. I know I will. “
The Kenton County Airport Board issued the following statement: “Bill was a zealous and dedicated advocate for both his clients and our community. He approached every challenge as an opportunity and his positivity and enthusiasm were infectious. He will be sorely missed by the Board and staff at CVG as well as our entire region.”
This story may be updated when more information is known and comments from local community members are collected.
-Michael Monks, editor & publisher
