Maxwell D. Smith

Mr. Beck, a transactional lawyer, has represented both domestic and foreign clients in the purchase, sale or syndication of bloodstock valued at more than $700 million. Mr. Beck also regularly provides corporate and financing legal counsel to equine industry participants, including banks, horse farms, trainers, and organizers of multiple ownership arrangements for racing and breeding syndicates. In addition to his transaction practice, Mr. Beck is a mediator and arbitrator concentrating on tr...

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....

Michael S. Hargis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trademark Law. Michael S. practices law in Lexington, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Michael S. Hargis since 2026. 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 S. Hargis is held by other lawyers.

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.

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...

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 ...

Kyle M. Virgin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Construction, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Kyle M. practices law in Lexington, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Kyle M. Virgin since 2023. 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 Kyle M. Virgin is hel...

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...

Mr. Overstreet represents businesses and individuals in their relations with and regulation by state and local governments. He has 30 years experience in handling complex matters before state administrative agencies. Mr. Overstreet regularly represents electric and telecommunications companies. Mr. Overstreet also litigates state constitutional and administrative law matters before the state and federal courts. Mark is a long time member, Treasurer and former Chairman of the Franklin County P...

Brady Dunnigan is based in the firm’s Lexington office, where his practice focuses primarily on commercial real estate and finance. He represents developers of hotels, entertainment venues, office buildings, mixed-use projects and industrial facilities, as well as lenders who finance them. His practice also includes general business law, assisting clients in structuring, documentation and financing of acquisitions, dispositions and other business transactions, and he serves as outside g...