P. Branden "Branden" Gross

Born to loving parents, Willard and Virgina Hamblin, with the exception of the military, Pierce lived in his beloved Lexington all of his life. His career can be divided into five parts: Military : upon commissioning as Officer in the Army, Pierce was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate. He proudly served his country as a Captain in the Army. He was the Distinguished Graduate of the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course provided by the Army for 1977. He was certified both as a T...

Michael S. Hargis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trademark Law. Michael S., 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 Michael S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

David represents businesses in a variety of complex commercial litigation matters. His litigation practice includes environmental, coal, agribusiness, toxic tort, securities and antitrust matters, as well as all types of business disputes. He also serves many medium and small businesses as outside general counsel. David has previously served in a variety of firm management positions including Partner-in-Charge of the Lexington office and is a member of the firm’s Compensation Committee.

Bennett E. Bayer maintains his own office and his main practice areas are Business Law and Mining Law.

Kenneth J. Gish, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law, Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Kenneth J., who practices law in Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Daniel E. Murner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Daniel E., who practices law in Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ashley Owens Hopkins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Ashley Owens, who practices law in Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ashley Owens is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...