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Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

A familiar face on the Harlan County legal scene is starting a new chapter in his life. Former Commonwealth’s Attorney Henry Johnson is back in private practice with a new office located at 306 East Central Street in downtown Harlan.

Johnson opened his office about three weeks ago.

“It was Monday, Jan. 14,” said Johnson. “My last day in office was Jan. 6…I wanted something that I could get into quickly and this was it. Later on I may move to something larger, but this is fine for now. It’s very comfortable.”

Johnson said he is prepared for any sort of legal work.

“As far as what my practice will be, that depends on who comes in the door,” said Johnson.

Johnson said he is currently not employing a full-time staff, but that could change.

“Right now I have someone to do typing for me,” said Johnson. “It’s a freelance kind of thing. I’ll increase that as the need arises.”

Johnson’s office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but he will also be available by appointment if need be.

“If someone needs to talk to me in the evening or on weekends I’m available to do that if they’ll give me a call,” said Johnson.

Johnson received his bachelor’s degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., in 1973, completed his law degree at the University of Kentucky College of Law and began practicing law in 1976. Johnson practiced for a year in Lexington and five years in Louisville before coming to Harlan. Becoming an assistant county attorney in 1987, Johnson also maintained a civil practice. Johnson was appointed to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in 1992, maintaining a civil practice until 2001 when he began serving full-time as commonwealth’s attorney.

After many years in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Johnson said he is looking forward to getting back to private practice.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into a practice where I’m representing individuals,” said Johnson. “I like being right here on street level where people can go by and see me in my office and just come in and talk to me about whatever they want. That’s one of the things that I enjoyed when I first moved to Harlan, and I’m enjoying it again.”

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@civitasmedia.com