The Men to See

Every year, the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (KACDL) gives out several awards. The undisputed highest honor is the Frank E. Haddad Award, which is presented to “a criminal defense lawyer in recognition of exceptional professional achievement which has had a profound effect and sustained impact on the protection of the constitutional rights of citizens accused or convicted of a criminal offense.”

In November 2023 at the annual KACDL seminar, for the first time, the highest award was presented to two attorneys rather than one. Those two attorneys are our very own Russ Baldani and Tucker Richardson.

In accepting the award, Russ quipped, “I always thought Tucker and I would be codefendants and not corecipients.”

Frank E. Haddad, Jr. was Kentucky’s most legendary criminal attorney. He was definitely “the man to see” if you were in trouble, because he lived by the principle “Anyone deserves to be helped.” Frank was described as humble, quick-witted, sincere, friend to all, loyal, and above all he gave confidence to his clients that he could solve their problems. Tucker and Russ have been living by Frank’s example for decades.

In fact, Tucker and Russ have been working side-by-side for 35 years, advocating for clients because they believe that everyone deserves a fair shot. Throughout the years, Tucker and Russ have been described by clients and friends as guardian angels, magicians, genuine, reliable, heroes and much more. When looking for an attorney, people want someone who is going to sit with them, listen to their concerns, build a strategy to help them and – most importantly – believe in them. Tucker and Russ have instilled these principles into their practice of the legal profession. They also have made them a requirement for all the attorneys practicing alongside them at the Baldani Law Group.

During his speech after receiving the award, Tucker said, “Meeting Russ was the best thing that ever happened to me… I wouldn’t be getting this award if it weren’t for him. He has been a mentor to me to start out, and a life partner in the legal field.”

Even after all these years, Tucker still says to Russ, “I’ll get them in, you get them off.” They are still working together as an amazing dynamic duo to do just that for every client.

If you’re in need of legal counsel, give the Baldani Law Group a call today at 859-259-0727. We’re here to help.