Thomas M. "Tom" Rhoads

Richard L. Walter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Richard L., who practices law in Paducah, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer Cave has over 20 years of experience working as an environmental consultant and attorney across the United States. Serving as Chair of the firm's Environmental, Energy & Sustainability Service Group, she works closely with businesses to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations. Ms. Cave advises clients on air quality, storm water, wastewater, and solid and hazardous waste permitting and compliance requirements and defends clients in admi...

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.

Christopher A. Deabler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law. Christopher A., who practices law in Covington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher A. 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...

Jay Inman provides solutions for employers of all sizes navigating today’s complex business world. He pairs experience-tested, broad knowledge of labor and employment law with deep understanding of clients’ businesses, challenges, and opportunities. His practice includes representing employers in administrative matters and litigation brought by individuals and government agencies, as well as advising employers on employment-related issues, policies and procedures.

Guillermo A. Carlos is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Guillermo A., who practices law in Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Guillermo A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Philip Coleman Lawson was born in Pineville, Bell County, Kentucky, the son of two lawyers. He attended high school at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Thereafter, he attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. While at Centre, he was a member of the Varsity Baseball and Golf Teams while being an active member of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After a summer internship, at the Washington, D.C. office of former United States Representative, A.B. (“Ben”) Chand...

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....

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...