Location Kentucky, United States, North America Regions Southern US Gender Female
Beth Maze is a distinguished attorney, former circuit judge, and public servant whose career spans more than 30 years of leadership in Kentucky's legal system. Widely recognized for her commitment to justice, public service, and judicial reform, she made history as the first female Circuit Judge in Kentucky's 21st Judicial Circuit,
serving the citizens of Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, and Rowan Counties.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, and raised in Benton, Maze developed an interest in the legal profession at an early age. Inspired by her father, a trial attorney and Kentucky State Representative, and her mother, an elementary school principal, she pursued a career dedicated to serving others through the law. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Kentucky in 1985 and later received her Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 1988.
Maze began her legal career in the Criminal Appeals Division of the Kentucky Attorney General's Office before joining Northeast Kentucky Legal Services, where she represented clients in matters involving domestic violence, disability claims, housing discrimination, and unemployment benefits. She later became the organization's first Pro Bono Coordinator, successfully building a network of volunteer attorneys across a 15-county region to expand access to legal services for underserved communities.
In 1993, she became the first female Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Kentucky's 21st Judicial Circuit, prosecuting felony criminal cases while maintaining a private civil law practice. After opening her own law office, she was appointed Circuit Judge in 2000 following the creation of a new judgeship by the Kentucky General Assembly.
During her judicial tenure, Maze presided over complex criminal, civil, and family law matters while managing a docket that routinely exceeded 1,800 active cases. She served as Chief Circuit Judge from 2009 until 2018, overseeing court administration, judicial operations, policy implementation, and courthouse initiatives throughout the circuit.
A strong advocate for treatment-based solutions within the justice system, Maze founded the Montgomery County Drug Court, creating pathways for individuals struggling with substance use disorders to pursue recovery and accountability through structured rehabilitation programs. She also contributed extensively to statewide judicial policy through service on numerous Kentucky Supreme Court committees, including the Family Rules Committee, Criminal Rules Committee, and Juvenile Justice Advisory Board.
Her leadership and expertise have been recognized nationally and internationally. In 2003, she was selected as one of eight Americans to participate in a U.S. State Department-sponsored diplomatic mission to Egypt and Jordan through the American Council of Young Political Leaders. In 2008, she was chosen as one of ten women worldwide to participate in the East-West Center's Women's Leadership Program in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she collaborated with global leaders on initiatives focused on community development and social impact.
Throughout her career, Maze has received numerous awards and commendations for her contributions to the legal profession, child advocacy, public service, and access to justice. Her work has helped shape legal and judicial practices across Kentucky while improving outcomes for countless individuals and families.
Today, Beth Maze is recognized as a trailblazer in Kentucky's legal community, a respected judicial leader, and a lifelong advocate for fairness, integrity, and public service.
