Michael Rains

Rains begins tenure as Clinton County Attorney

Michael Rains became the new Clinton County Attorney early this year, giving the Albany native a chance to ‘come back home’ to serve the residents of Albany and Clinton County.

Although still in his mid-30s, the leading county prosecutor brings quite a bit of experience to the job, having practiced law for almost 10 years.

Rains is a 1993 graduate of Clinton County High School and a 1997 graduate of the University of Kentucky. He graduated law school in 2001.

Since law school, the now county attorney has practiced law in the law offices of Tom Carroll in Monticello and has dealt with a variety of cases, both civil and criminal as well as Social Security matters and other aspects of the legal profession. He has written briefs to various courts, including appeals courts and the Kentucky Supreme Court during his time as an attorney.

Rains said he had considered a run of the office as far back as law school, and credited his legal decision somewhat on now 40th Judicial District Judge Mike Lawson, who was Clinton County Attorney during his (Rains) tenure in law school. He said he talked to Judge Lawson often during that time.

Rains said he felt the elected position of county attorney could broaden his background in the legal profession and was also a chance to get back home to Clinton County.

The new county attorney said he thinks he will like the prosecutors’ aspect of the job the most, but knows that the office carries several other duties, including handling juvenile cases and issues involving the county.

Rains stressed one of his primary concerns would be watching out for the children that are involved in cases he will be handling, saying it is extremely important to “protect the interests of our children.”

Rains said he looked forward to working with the various people and entities he will be involved with over the next four years, including law enforcement which will help prosecute criminal cases, the courts, Clinton County Fiscal Court and the general public.

He also noted that when an issue comes up involving a county matter, he would research the issue and advise the court members in a timely manner.

The county attorney’s office is now located on East Cumberland Street, and part of the staff will remain unchanged. Attorney Gary Little will continue as assistant county attorney, Amy Albertson will stay on as an employee in the office and Angela Melton will also be on the staff.

Rains said the staffing for the child support services will remain unchanged and be located in the basement of his office.

He added that his office would be run in an efficient, friendly manner and added that he likes meeting with people and would personally talk with anyone who comes in when he is in his office.

Rains concluded by saying he appreciated all of the citizens of Clinton County for their kindness and support in the past election. “I will follow the law and do the best job I possibly can as county attorney,” he concluded.