Houston A. Bragg

Blaine’s science background and experience as a college professor help set him apart as an environmental lawyer, where technical expertise is an important complement to the practice of law. His legal practice is a broad approach to environmental law that includes a focus on water and land issues, agriculture, natural resources and energy, and the intersection of surety law and environmental regulatory matters. He counsels clients on environmental compliance and environmental considerati...

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...

Bruce Reynolds is a Member of the firm based in its Lexington office although he advises lawyers located in other offices as to complex tax matters. His practice focuses primarily on taxation and tax related matters, including tax controversies and disputes, business transactions and estate planning for business owners. He also has been involved in numerous disputes involving fiduciary relationships. During his long career with Stites & Harbison, Bruce has assisted many of the firm's larg...

Emily Larish Startsman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Emily Larish practices law in Lexington, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Emily Larish Startsman since 2025. 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 Emily Larish Startsman is held by other lawyers.

Clarke Keller's practice focuses on defending Kentucky-area emergency medical service providers, product liability litigation and transportation law, including aviation, motor carriers and railroads. He serves as chair of the Business Litigation Group in the firm's Lexington office. He helped a start-up commercial enterprise obtain an FAA exemption and Certificate of Authorization to operate an unmanned aerial system (UAS) or drone, for commercial purposes. Additionally, Mr. Keller also maint...

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.

Richard Wehrle is a Member of the firm and is based in the Lexington office. His practice focuses on trusts and estate administration, estate planning and charitable giving, charitable and non-profit organizations, estate and gift taxes, probate, and fiduciary law. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. More Than Stites & Harbison Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Richard was a partner at Bowles Rice LLP in Lexington, Kentucky, handling trusts and estate planning for eight years....

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...

Janet Craig is a seasoned attorney in health care law and regulatory insurance issues. She is experienced in certificate of need and licensure, reimbursement, managed care, fraud and abuse, HIPAA, and Stark I and II. A former General Counsel of the Kentucky Department of Insurance, she has an active regulatory practice. She represents a host of insurers and HMOs on matters ranging from market conduct and financial exams to mergers, change of control and rate filings. Recent Assignments Repres...

Brian is a member of the Litigation Department. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, toxic tort litigation, product liability litigation, and fiduciary litigation.