John Friend

John Friend, Trailblazing Kentucky Lawyer and Mentor, Dies at 41 John Friend, a brilliant attorney known for his colorful personality, unwavering advocacy, and commitment to reshaping Kentucky law, died on March 21, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 41 years old. The cause of death was Burkitt's lymphoma, following a brief but intense battle with the disease. Born on November 8, 1983, in Norton, Virginia, Mr. Friend spent his formative years in Pikeville, Kentucky. He was a 2002 graduate of Pikeville High School. A self-proclaimed "hillbilly," he wore his Appalachian roots with pride, combining his small-town upbringing with a razor-sharp intellect that would later define his legal career. Mr. Friend joined Alex R. White, PLLC in 2022, quickly earning a reputation as the firm's "answers man" for his strategic brilliance and legal insight. His incisive legal writing and command of complex issues made him a formidable presence in both trial and appellate courts. Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Friend was a devoted mentor and teacher. He regularly spoke at his legal alma mater, the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, and volunteered for oral argument competitions. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of lawyers was matched only by his advocacy for attorney mental health, a cause he championed especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Friend's colleagues remember him not just for his legal acumen, but for his quirky wit, unmatched storytelling ability, and capacity to make any room laugh. His last text message to a law partner, "I love you too bro," encapsulated his authentic and heartfelt approach to both his personal and professional relationships. Notably, Mr. Friend was a giving individual, readily and selflessly offering his time to serve others, whether they be animals, old friends, new acquaintances, or disadvantaged litigants who never knew of his considerable efforts. Mr. Friend is survived by his wife, Nora; his mother, Carole Friend, and stepfather, Alan Bessen; his siblings, Noah and Shelby Friend; and his beloved cats. He is preceded in death by his father, Tack Cornelius. In John’s memory, friends and colleagues are asked to stand up for the voiceless, volunteer time to support others' growth, and challenge injustice at every turn – embodying the principles that defined his impactful, albeit too short, life and career. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to https://diy.lls.org/fundraiser/6203991, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in his honor. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place in July.