Derrick T. Wright

Mandy Wilson Decker is a Patent Attorney and member of the Intellectual Property & Technology Service Group. Her practice focuses on intellectual property protection strategy, including counseling clients on infringement, validity and patentability, transfer of intellectual property, patent drafting, and patent prosecution. Contributing to her practice is a scientific background in chemistry and experience with academic and commercial research in the areas of biochemistry, biotechnology, ...

Jay Prather’s work as a trial lawyer at Garmer & Prather has earned him the recognition of his peers, including being named Best Lawyers® 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in Plaintiffs’ Product Liability Litigation – Lexington . He continues a family tradition of Kentucky legal service and brings a disciplined, trial-focused approach to representing individuals and workers harmed by negligence, unsafe products, or wage-and-hour violations. Jay has distinguished ...

Ashley Owens Hopkins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Ashley Owens practices law in Lexington, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Ashley Owens Hopkins since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ashley Owens Hopkins is held by other lawyers.

Melanie J. Kilpatrick is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Employment Law - Management, Energy Regulatory Law, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Mining Law. Melanie J. practices law in Lexington, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Melanie J. Kilpatrick since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professio...

Barry Miller is a Partner and Office Chair in Freeman Mathis & Gary’s Lexington, Kentucky office. He has spent 30 years in the courtrooms of Kentucky. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer every year since 2013, and also has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the field of Commercial Litigation. Mr. Miller’s coverage and bad faith practice includes matters involving thoroughbred horses, coal mining, trucking and transportation, pollution, municipal liability, and alleged pol...

Stephen Ruschell is a member of the firm's Real Estate Service Group. His practice focuses on condemnation, real property, mergers & acquisitions, general business law, zoning and land development. Mr. Ruschell additionally represents companies in the areas of general corporate law, commercial lending and bond issues. More Than Stites & Harbison Steve is a former chairman of the Fayette County Bar Foundation which he helped found in 2006. He was honored in June 2008 with the Justice J...

Cassidy R. Rosenthal is the Lexington Office Executive Member and a Member of the Construction Service Group. Her practice focuses on advising clients throughout all phases of construction projects including planning, contract drafting and negotiation, and project administration. Cassidy successfully guides her clients through construction claims and disputes including informal negotiations, mediation, litigation in state and federal courts, and in arbitration throughout the country. In addit...

Ashley Ward has practiced in the Lexington office's Torts and Insurance Service Group since 1986 and is a co-leader of that group. He has tried more than 20 jury trials to verdict. He focuses on product liability, personal injury, medical malpractice, telecommunications and contractual disputes. Ashley also has considerable experience litigating will contests and other fiduciary disputes. More Than Stites & Harbison Upon graduation from law school, Ashley served as a law clerk for United ...

Walt Robertson is a member of the Business & Corporate Services Group. He represents clients in all matters of business including commercial lending, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, securities regulation and equine law. Walt has a lifetime of experience in multiple breeds of the equine industry. Prior to practicing law, he worked as a bloodstock agent for a leading commercial agency specializing in the sale of Thoroughbred horses at public auction and as a bid spotter and ann...

Mr. Hixson regularly practices and appears in courtrooms across Kentucky. His practice focuses on commercial litigation, coal supply litigation, product liability, and professional liability. Mr. Hixson also has significant experience in motor carrier litigation, and has litigated a wide array of complex and catastrophic injury cases in state and federal jurisdictions. Mr. Hixson's commercial practice involves representing businesses in cases with claims ranging from breach of contract, promi...