Rocket Docket

The Progressive Criminal Justice Plan, or "Rocket Docket" consists of prosecutors who work closely with District Court officials to cut through the red tape and bring a prompt and fair resolution for victims of felonies.

Jan Firkins Brightwell - Division Chief, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

Ms. Brightwell received her license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1987 and came to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in February of 1988. Ms. Brightwell received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kentucky in 1984 and her Juris Doctor from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in 1987. Before coming to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney, Ms. Brightwell worked as an intern in the Jefferson County Attorney's Office, Juvenile Division from 1986 to 1987 and as a law clerk in the law firm of Slyn Skaggs from 1985 to 1986. Ms. Brightwell volunteers with Wayside Christian Missions, and with the Jefferson County Teen Court Program. Ms. Brightwell also works with the Louisville Bar Association in their Flood Relief program and annual Golf Scramble. Ms. Brightwell has been a speaker at the University of Louisville's Career day and an Instructor for the Louisville Division of Police, the Jefferson County Police and the Jeffersontown Police Departments. Ms. Brightwell also served on the Attorney General's Prescription Drug Task Force. Ms. Brightwell has published two legal Articles: Liability of Creditor and Repossession Agent for Wrongful Repossession and Tortious Acts Committed During Repossession, 42 Am Jur Proof of Facts 3d 355 (1997) and Negligent Issuance of Life Insurance Policy resulting in Injury to, or Death of Insured, 37 Am Jur Proof of Facts 3d 149 (1996). Ms. Brightwell is a professional member of the following organizations: Kentucky Bar Association, Louisville Bar Association, Kentucky Academy of Justice, and the National District Attorney's Association, Midwest Gang Association. Ms. Brightwell has been admitted to the United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky. Ms. Brightwell was formerly the Division Chief of the Unified Special Prosecutions Unit of the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney.  Ms. Brightwell is currently assigned to the Rocket Docket.

Bill Adams - Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney (Senior Narcotics Prosecutor)

Mr. Adams received his license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1986 and came to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in October of 1990. Before coming to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney Mr. Adams worked in private practice. Mr. Adams received his Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville in 1981 and his Juris Doctor from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in 1985. Mr. Adams instructs for the Louisville Division of Police as an instructor in the areas of Narcotics and Search and Seizure. Mr. Adams is a professional member of the Kentucky Bar Association and the Louisville Bar Association. After serving as Deputy Division Chief, Mr. Adams became Senior Narcotics Prosecutor. He is currently assigned to the Rocket Docket.

Michael T. Rudicil - Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

Mr. Rudicil has been licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky since 1987 and also in Indiana since 1980. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Arizona State University in 1977, and his Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law in 1980. He also attended the National Criminal Defense College. Mr. Rudicil served as a Deputy Prosecutor in Green County Indiana from 1980-1982, when he lost an extremely close race for the elected Prosecutor position. After a stint as a solo practitioner, he joined the Public Defender’s Office in Louisville as a Staff Attorney, where he served from 1987 to 1998, winning more than 20 Walker Awards. He was part of the team that developed the initial Rocket Docket. Most recently, he practiced personal injury law for 10 years in the Breen Law Office in Louisville.

Mr. Rudicil currently is an Olmsted Parks volunteer. He is a member of the Louisville Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association of Justice, and the Kentucky Academy of Justice. Mr. Rudicil is currently assigned to the Rocket Docket.

Linda Gillock - Secretary