Kay Sunday

Kay Sunday was born in Evansville Indiana. At 18, she married an Army paratrooper and moved to Germany. Upon returning to the US, Kay worked as a secretary in Columbus, Georgia. After the birth of her son, Rob, they returned to Indiana where she studied journalism and psychology at the University of Evansville.

After graduation, Kay moved to San Diego where she attended law school at the University of San Diego. Kay’s contributions over her 35 years in practice went beyond her individual clients; she was a tireless advocate for local defense lawyers fighting for decent fees and ancillary services for appointed lawyers. In 1981, Kay worked at Defenders, Inc. and later Community Defenders, Inc. In 1988, she went into private practice and represented predominantly indigent clients.

Kay taught trial skills at the University of San Diego, and continuing education seminars. She was extremely generous with her time and experience and was a dedicated warrior in the courtroom.

Kay was awarded both Warhorse Award and Trial Attorney of the Year by the Criminal Defense Bar Association (CDBA). She served as president of both Criminal Defense Lawyers Club and CDBA, and also served on the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice Board of Directors.