Kirby Black

Jeff Moad is a Member in the firm’s Business Litigation Service Group in Louisville. He practices complex business and commercial litigation, class action litigation, consumer finance litigation, and professional liability litigation.Jeff joined the firm after graduating first in his class from the University of Kentucky College of Law and serving as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.He has represented clients in litigation, investigations, and ...

Mike Risley is Co-Chair of the firm’s Appellate Advocacy Group and former Chair of the Louisville office’s Litigation Service Group. A seasoned litigator, Mike frequently appears before both state and federal appellate courts. He also has deep experience in disputes involving insurance bad faith and coverage, ERISA, and commercial and employment-related matters. Mike currently is serving the firm as Louisville Office Executive Member and is a former member of the firm’s Mana...

Laurel K. Cornell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Laurel K. practices law in Louisville, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Laurel K. Cornell since 2019. 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 Laurel K. Cornell is held by other lawyers.

Mr. Breetz has a sophisticated trial practice and regularly appears in courtrooms across Kentucky, Tennessee, and upon occasion, Southern Indiana. He is co-leader of the firm's Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. Matt defends numerous professionals, including lawyers, insurance agents and brokers, accountants, debt collectors, engineers, title agents, architects and home inspectors in professional malpractice suits throughout the region. Mr. Breetz has a robust practice representing...

A senior member of the firm's Torts & Insurance Practice Group, John's national and regional litigation practice focuses on defending complex product liability lawsuits and managing serial litigation. His extensive trial experience includes medical devices, pharmaceuticals, intellectual property, and a variety of personal injury matters. John has tried product liability cases to jury verdicts in eight states. John also maintains an active appellate practice representing appellees, appella...

Michael E. Kleinert is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Michael E. practices law in Louisville, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Michael E. Kleinert since 2022. 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 Michael E. Kleinert is held b...

David Ratterman is a Senior Member of the firm's Construction Service Group, concentrating his practice on the fabricated structural steel industry in the United States and internationally. His immersion in the construction industry began as a water boy on construction sites at age 10 and evolved through a series of engineering and construction positions with the U.S. Navy, government and private industry. David has been an officer or advisor to 12 industry trade organizations and professiona...

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, ...

David Nagle is a Registered Patent Attorney who has been with the Intellectual Property & Technology Service Group since its inception. He holds an advanced engineering degree, and his technical knowledge consistently allows him to better understand his clients' business needs and processes. David has extensive experience prosecuting domestic and foreign patent applications covering a wide range of subject matter, including consumer goods, mechanical devices, software and business methods...

Lawrence C. Droege is a member of the firm's Real Estate & Banking Service Group. He primarily focuses his practice on real estate, lending and creditors' rights law. Larry also has experience working with capital markets lenders in closing conduit loans and working with national insurance companies on synthetic guaranteed investment contracts. He joined the firm in October 2004. Recent Assignments Worked with insurance companies on review and restructuring of hundreds of synthetic guaran...