Melanie Straw-Boone

William B. (Bill) Bardenwerper, is listed in Best Lawyers in America, with top rankings in Chambers USA and Martindale-Hubbell. Bill received these distinctions from a practice beginning in 1978 as Jefferson County’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and as Special Counsel to the County Executive (now U.S. Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell. In 1987, Bill became managing partner of a firm bearing his name, today Bardenwerper, Talbott & Roberts, PLLC. He has always primarily...

Since beginning her career at Stites & Harbison in 2003, Whitney has developed a wide-ranging litigation practice that includes product liability, toxic torts, mass actions, contract disputes, tortious interference, coverage disputes, and wrongful death. Whitney has taken and defended hundreds of depositions and made countless court appearances, including trials. An experienced defender of mass torts, she is currently responsible for managing a docket of several hundred product liability ...

Mr. Saffer is a transactional lawyer focusing on real estate and lending law, with an emphasis in commercial lending. He regularly represents institutional lenders in making all types of commercial loans. He also represents public and private borrowers in all types of secured and unsecured syndicated loan transactions. He also has represented clients in numerous asset acquisitions and dispositions, including those involving a number of coal companies. More Than Stites & Harbison Mr. Saffe...

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...

Robert D. Bobrow is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Robert D., who practices law in Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David B. Gray is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. David B., who practices law in Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Pat Stallard is a member of the Environmental, Natural Resources and Energy Service Group in the Louisville office. His practice concentrates in the air, water and waste programs, with substantial experience in programmatic permitting at both the agency level and on appeal, enforcement actions, counseling, rulemaking, advocacy, and legislative actions. Pat has considerable experience in remediation matters under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superf...

Michael E. Kleinert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Michael E., who practices law in Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...