Community Leaders in Finance, Insurance & Law: Matthew P. Cook

Story by Amelia Bowen

Matt Cook never expected Bowling Green to become home.When he entered law school, he imagined his career might eventually take him to a major market such as Washington, D.C. or New York. Instead, a recruitment opportunity brought him to South Central Kentucky, where he quickly discovered that bigger is not always better. Today, Matt serves as an Attorney and Shareholder with Kerrick Bachert, PSC and currently serves as President of the Kentucky Bar Association, an organization representing more than 20,000 attorneys across the Commonwealth. Looking back, he says choosing Bowling Green was one of the most important decisions of both his professional and personal life. A graduate of the University of North Carolina and the University of Louisville School of Law, Matt was drawn to the legal profession because it offered an opportunity to help people while continuously learning. Early in his career, he discovered that practicing law was far different than the courtroom dramas often portrayed on television. “Most lawyers are not in a courtroom every day,” he explains. “The best lawyers I know are the ones who love to learn about new things and who have excellent writing skills.” His practice includes a wide variety of matters, from employment issues to representing cities, counties and their personnel in complex litigation. While courtroom advocacy remains an important part of the profession, Matt says much of a lawyer’s work happens behind the scenes through research, writing and careful preparation. At the heart of his work is a belief in the American justice system and the rule of law. “Despite our society’s political divisions, our legal system generally works,” he says. “It is not perfect, but it is still the best system ever conceived by humankind.” Matt credits much of his professional development to his former law partner and mentor, John David Cole. Through years of working together, he learned not only how to advocate effectively for clients but also the importance of professionalism, integrity and reputation. “Your reputation matters,” he says. “Judges and other lawyers need to know they can trust you to practice ethically and honestly.” As the legal profession continues to evolve, Matt believes technology and artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role. However, he remains convinced that the most valuable aspect of legal representation will always be the human element. “A lawyer still will advise the client on what to do when a crisis happens,” he says. “A lawyer will still argue in the courtroom on behalf of the client.” Outside of work, Matt enjoys following his children’s activities, cheering on the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, golfing and reading. He and his family are active members of Broadway United Methodist Church, and he remains deeply involved in community and professional organizations throughout Kentucky. For Matt, the practice of law ultimately comes down to service. Whether helping clients navigate difficult disputes, mentoring young attorneys or working to strengthen the legal profession, he remains committed to serving others with the same principles that first drew him to the law decades ago.