Wesley R. "Wes" Butler

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.

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....

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 ...

Elizabeth Johnson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Health Care Law and Litigation - Health Care. Elizabeth practices law in Lexington, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth Johnson since 2027. 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 Elizabeth Johnson is held by other lawyers.

As part of the Business Litigation Service Group and Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group, Dan has over 25 years of experience in defending corporate and individual clients against an array of complex business and tort claims in state and federal courts. Dan has defended complex business claims in a variety of litigation contexts, including multi-plaintiff and class action lawsuits. This includes the defense of a number of corporate entities, including major health care clients, again...

Kenneth J. Gish, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law, Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Kenneth J. practices law in Lexington, Kentucky Best Lawyers has recognized Kenneth J. Gish, Jr. since 2018. 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 Kenneth J. Gish, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Richard M. Guarnieri was born in Chicago, Illinois as the second oldest of nine brothers and sisters, three of which have become lawyers as well. When Richard was still a child, his family moved to Frankfort, Kentucky where he was raised and attended Good Shepherd Catholic School and then Franklin County Public Schools until his graduation from Franklin County High School. Throughout his life, he has attended church with his family at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Frankfort, Kentucky. In h...

Leslie P. Vose is a Member in the Lexington office at Ward Hocker Thornton & Brown, PLLC. Her main practice areas are Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, and Insurance Defense.

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.

Jeff practices in the areas of estate and wealth transfer planning, including preparing wills, trusts, disability documents and marital agreements; estate and trust administration, including fiduciary representation and tax reporting; and asset protection and closely-held business planning, including family limited partnerships and limited liability companies.