Russell L. "Rusty" O'Brien

With more than 25 years of Intellectual Property experience, Joel actively tries cases in both state and federal courts. A founding member and former co-chair of the firm's Intellectual Property and Technology Service Group, he manages all aspects of infringement litigation for both federal and state courts, including trial and appellate practice. He has also prepared and prosecuted trademark and copyright applications, prosecuted and defended trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings...

Andrew Noland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Andrew, who practices law in Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew 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...

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...

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...

Bill Hellmann has more than 35 years experience as a transactional attorney representing clients in a wide array of business and finance matters. He enjoys drafting and negotiating complex documents, as well as counseling with major clients on legal and business matters. He has significant experience representing airports in contract and financial matters.

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....

Jordan A. Stanton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jordan A., who practices law in Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jordan A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Bubalo is Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (“NBTA”). Mr. Bubalo has appeared in various types of trials. A few examples follow. In Loomis v. St. Mary's Hospital , he was Lead Trial Attorney, resulting in one of the largest personal injury verdicts recorded in the State of Indiana. The Judgment for almost $17,000,000 was unanimously affirmed by the Indiana Court of Appeals in St. Mary’s Medical Center of Evansville, Inc. v. L...

Tom Halbleib is a transactional lawyer with substantial experience representing airport sponsors, governmental agencies and other tax exempt organizations, commercial lenders, and buyers and sellers of assets and businesses. Recent Speaking Engagements and Publications Mr. Halbleib's topics have included Third-Party Legal Opinions in Commercial Transactions (Louisville Bar Association) and Airport Law (Kentucky Aviation Association, Airports Council International, and the American Association...