J. Whitney Wallingford II

Kyle M. Virgin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Construction, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Kyle M., who practices law in Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kyle M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 ...

Emily Larish Startsman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Emily Larish, who practices law in Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Emily Larish is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill Gorton is Chair of the Environmental, Natural Resources & Energy Service Group for the firm. He is national counsel to numerous clients on environmental regulatory and land and water resources matters. He advises healthcare clients in permitting, acquisitions and environmental compliance matters. Bill has represented clients in the waste management sector including acquisitions, due diligence, compliance and contracting. He has been counsel in the development of numerous independent ...

Whitney True Lawson was born in Frankfort, Kentucky and attended Franklin County Public Schools until she graduated from Western Hills High School with a 4.0 GPA. Thereafter, she attended Transylvania University and graduated, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in German. While at Transylvania University, she was an active member of her sorority, Phi Mu. Between her junior and senior year at Transylvania University, she interned with former United States Representative, A.B. Chandler, ...

Jay Inman provides solutions for employers of all sizes navigating today’s complex business world. He pairs experience-tested, broad knowledge of labor and employment law with deep understanding of clients’ businesses, challenges, and opportunities. His practice includes representing employers in administrative matters and litigation brought by individuals and government agencies, as well as advising employers on employment-related issues, policies and procedures.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Matthew Minner attended the University of Kentucky on full academic and R.O.T.C. scholarships and graduated Phi Beta Kappa, with departmental honors and with highest distinction. In 1996, he graduated from the Vanderbilt University School of Law where he received the Weldon White Scholarship and was elected by his peers as an Officer and their Representative to the Vanderbilt Bar Association among other honors and achievements. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Minn...

John H. Stevens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance. John H., who practices law in Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Melanie J. Kilpatrick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Employment Law - Management, Energy Regulatory Law, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Mining Law. Melanie J., who practices law in Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melanie J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice a...

Greg Parsons is a Member of the firm in the Lexington office and a member of the Construction Service Group. Greg has represented construction and business clients for thirty-five years. The construction clients he has represented include general contractors, owners, subcontractors and steel fabricators. He has also handled matters for various businesses, financial institutions, municipalities and universities. He regularly reviews, drafts and advises clients regarding construction contracts ...