Best Civil Lawyer in Kentucky
Thomas D. Bullock
Civil Lawyer
Thomas D. Bullock is a founding partner of Bullock & Cecil, LLP. Mr. Bullock is a graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of Kentucky College of Law. He is licensed to practice in all courts of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Federal Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Bullock focuses his practice in the areas of complex Civil Litigation, Business and Commercial Litigation Mediation, and Equine Law.
Mr. Bullock is one of the most diverse and accomplished attorneys in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. His cases have been the subject of both local and national coverage including America’s Most Wanted, Dateline, True Detective and City Confidential. Mr. Bullock has also been cited to the United States Supreme Court by the attorney generals of all fifty states. He has handled criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to 1st-degree murder. Likewise, he is equally adept in civil matters having litigated cases ranging from small civil disputes to complex business litigation before the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Bullock is also widely known for his expertise in equine law and acted as general counsel for several large horse farms. He has extensive experience in international legal matters including document production and deposition taking in France, Canada, Switzerland, China and Ireland.
Mr. Bullock is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Trial Layers – Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The American Association for Justice, the Kentucky Justice Association and the Fayette County Bar Association.
Jack Gatlin
Civil Lawyer
Jack concentrates his practice serving individuals and businesses in areas including complex litigation, domestic law, small business law, and municipality law. Additionally, he has significant experience in strategic business planning and consulting as well as dispute resolutions. As a complex litigator and trial attorney, having tried dozens of cases to a jury in Ohio and Kentucky, Jack has experience litigating matters on behalf of businesses and individuals. He has been the lead attorney in numerous matters and covering a wide variety of issues including, personal injury; complicated divorces; multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes; contract disputes; construction litigation; shareholder, member, and partner disputes; breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and other business torts; residential, HUD, and commercial lease litigation; real estate litigation and title disputes; major felony criminal defense; estate litigation including will contests; fire and theft losses, and; environmental and toxic torts
Jack has received numerous accolades and achievements including being an Ohio and Kentucky Rising Star. He also has received the highest rating of AV from Martindale Hubbell as well as a 10.0 rating from AVVO. Jack is a former Managing Partner of a regional law firm and has formerly served as the Northern Kentucky Bar Association President. He has dedicated himself to the community over his entire career, having served as a board member on the Grant County Tourism Commission; Dry Ridge Soup Kitchen, and Grant County Chamber Vision 2020. Further, he has served as Chairman of the Grant County Joint Industrial Development Authority and Chairman of the Cincinnati Real Estate Cooperative.
Whitney Dunlap
Civil Lawyer
Whitney Dunlap III earned his BA with Honors from Miami University in 1982 and his JD from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1986. For the past 30 years, he has focused on civil litigation, trying lawsuits in Courts throughout Central, Northern and Eastern Kentucky.
His cases have ranged from personal injury and insurance defense to divorce and family law. He has tried cases that have reached the Supreme Court of Kentucky and the United States Supreme Court. He lectures frequently at litigation skills and insurance seminars.
Whitney spent his first few years in Northern Kentucky, the next 25 years in Richmond, Kentucky and has now returned home to Versailles, Kentucky. He continues to serve clients and litigate cases across the state.
Important Cases
- Successfully defeated claims of civil rights violations for improper stop and arrest after 9/11 related to Air Force Academy professor with secret documents. (Rothhaupt v. Maiden, 144 Fed.Appx. 465, (Pet. for Cert. dnd, U.S. Sup Ct., 546 U.S. 1093, 126 S.Ct. 1052 (Jan 9, 2006))
- Supreme Court case upholding the First Amendment freedom of the press which forced the University of Kentucky to disclose the full NCAA investigation into the men’s basketball team following payment of a $1,000.00 sent to a recruit. Only known case to move from the Circuit Court, to Court of Appeals, to Supreme Court in the same day. (University of Kentucky v. Courier-Journal & Louisville Times Co., 830 S.W.2d 373 (Ky. 1992))
- Law case that addressed grounds for discharge of an employee with medical issues. (Maggard v. Com. Cabinet for Families, 991 S.W.2d 659 (Ky App 1998))
- Underinsured Motorist Benefits coverage dispute by a motorist claiming that her personal vehicle was entitled to automobile insurance coverage under her husband’s corporate fleet automobile policy. (Solheim Roofing LLC v. Grange Mutual, 2010 WL 323296 (Ky App 2010))
- Won commercial landowner’s dispute over his liability to pay a tenant’s delinquent ad valorem taxes, ending with a decision that the owner of the underlying land is ultimately liable for delinquent taxes and attorney fees (Grise v. Lakewood)
Matthew L. Collins
Civil Lawyer
Having grown up in Lawrenceburg and having a father who has owned his own dental practice for 35 years, I know the importance of treating people and their legal problems with care. I consider it my job as your attorney to not only inform you about the legality of the issues that you face, but also how to comply with the law in a matter that fits your needs. People don’t come as “one size fits all,” and neither do their legal needs, and I know the importance of treating every person with the individuality that their situation deserves.
Prior to practicing law, I grew up in Lawrenceburg going camping with Boy Scout Troop 37, playing soccer, and running track and cross country. I graduated from ACHS in 2004, and went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Philosophy. After college, I spent 5 years traveling and working as an academic advisor for Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, KY. I then returned to the University of Kentucky College of Law, and decided to enter private practice back home in Lawrenceburg upon graduation.
Andrew Gailor
Civil Lawyer
Andrew Gailor was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky and currently resides in Oldham County. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of the Arts in Government and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Louisville School of Law in 2001. He is a member of Christ Church United Methodist Church, the Kentucky Bar Association, the Louisville Bar Association, the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, Gun Owners of America, Silver Creek Conservation Club, the United States Practical Shooting Association, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
Andrew Gailor handles the following types of Kentucky cases:
Lindsey Burke
Civil Lawyer
Lindsey Burke is a social worker-turned-attorney and native Lexingtonian. She graduated from University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2015. In law school, Lindsey was an award-winning negotiator and named as the first UC Law Public Interest Honors Fellow. As a Fellow, Lindsey provided uncontested divorces and wills to clients of Legal Aid of Greater Cincinnati. She received the UC Law Class of 2015 Public Service Award. She started Micah Legal in 2017, and has been successfully representing clients ever since.
Lindsey lives in Lexington with her attorney husband, Spencer. They are expecting their first child in April 2023. They are both Deacons at Central Christian Church. Lindsey is a proud Kentucky Colonel and serves the community through involvement in several boards.
James Brandon May
Civil Lawyer
James Brandon May is a 2005 graduate of Johnson Central High School. He attended Morehead State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Government and a minor in Legal Studies. From Morehead, Brandon traveled abroad to work as an intern for the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, Canada. He attended Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law and obtained his Juris Doctorate in 2013 with an emphasis on Civil Litigation. Upon being admitted to the Kentucky Bar, Brandon worked as a Landman/ Abstractor in the oil & gas field before taking the position of Lawrence County Assistant Attorney. Brandon joined Teeters & May, PLLC in 2016 where he focuses on civil and criminal litigation.
Brandon is the past president of the Paintsville Rotary Club, member of Paintsville Lodge #381, Big Sandy Shrine Club, El Hasa Temple, Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, Paintsville/Johnson County Trail Town, Johnson County Historical and Genealogical Society, serves on the Programming Team for the Kentucky Young Lawyers Division, and is on the Board of Directors of United Way of Eastern Kentucky.
Brandon, Brianna and their two daughters, Brielle Catherine and Bristol James, reside in Paintsville, Kentucky with their two dogs (Cooper & Mojo) and fearless feline (Squirrely Dan).
A native of Johnson County, Brandon has dedicated his career to giving back to his hometown community.
Joshua Daniel Hicks
Civil Lawyer
Josh went to middle school and high school in Fleming County, where he lived on a farm with this family. His father, Dan, worked construction and his mother, Sharon, worked at the local Honda shop. Josh spent his high school years working on various farms (including the family farm) pitching hay, housing tobacco, and building fence.
Josh was a standout offensive and defensive lineman at Fleming County High School and went to Georgetown College to continue his football and academic career. After three semesters, he left college to work for the same construction company as his father. After a year or so as an iron worker and rigger, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he was trained as a radio operator and cryptographic custodian. He married his wife, Bethany, who was born and raised in Maysville, Kentucky, during the first year of his service. Josh served aboard the USS Ponce and the USS Trenton during two deployments with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He received his honorable discharge after four years of service, just after the birth of his and Bethany’s beautiful daughter, Kaitlin.
After his Marine Corps service ended, Josh completed training as a certified police officer at EKU’s Department of Criminal Justice Training and began working as a police officer in Bethany’s hometown. Josh spent five years as a Maysville Police Officer, serving on the Emergency Response Team and as a certified training officer, training new police recruits. Three years in, Bethany and Josh celebrated the birth of their son, Daniel. Because he worked nights and weekends at the police department, Josh was able to go back to school at Morehead State University during the day and graduated with honors. During his time at Morehead State, he began to consider a career as an attorney.
After graduation from Morehead State, Josh applied to and was accepted into the University of Kentucky College of Law. He was a competitor on national trial teams all three years of law school and built strong ties to the city of Lexington, where his wife opened an insurance agency and his children began attending school. After law school, Josh went to work for a mid-size firm in Lexington where he litigated and practiced cases from Paducah to Pikeville. He moved to a regional firm’s Lexington office where he continued to practice with and be mentored by some of the most respected attorneys in the state of Kentucky. He has represented individuals and businesses across the state in a wide variety of matters, conducting and participating in hundreds of depositions, oral arguments, mediations, and several jury trials. Josh volunteers his time as a mediator for the Fayette District Court.
Securing Justice in the Bluegrass State: Why You Need a Top Civil Lawyer in Kentucky
Kentucky, known for its spirited traditions, demands the same strength when facing civil legal challenges. Here’s why securing a top-notch civil lawyer in Kentucky is crucial for maximizing your chances of success:
1. Masters of Kentucky’s Civil Law Labyrinth:
Civil law intricacies can be daunting. A skilled lawyer is your guide:
- Deep Understanding of Kentucky Law: Their in-depth knowledge of Kentucky’s legal framework (including statutes and court precedents) ensures they effectively handle your case, whether it’s a contract dispute, property issue, personal injury claim, or more. (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/)
2. Your Champion in Kentucky’s Legal Arena:
Your voice matters:
- Strong Legal Advocacy: A top civil lawyer is your champion, fiercely defending your rights and interests throughout negotiations, mediation, or courtroom proceedings in Kentucky. They will use their legal expertise to present a compelling case that maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome.
3. Clear Assessment of Your Kentucky Civil Case:
Knowledge empowers informed decisions:
- Objective Case Evaluation: The best lawyers can provide an objective evaluation of your Kentucky civil case’s strengths and weaknesses. They’ll help you understand your legal position and potential outcomes, enabling you to make informed decisions about your case.
4. Negotiation for Success in Kentucky Civil Disputes:
Reaching settlements saves resources:
- Skilled Negotiation: Many civil cases are settled through negotiations outside of court. A skilled civil lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively on your behalf in your Kentucky civil case, aiming for the best possible settlement while protecting your interests.
5. Trial-Ready Representation in Kentucky Courtrooms:
Confidence in the face of litigation:
- Litigation Expertise: In situations where trial becomes necessary, having a proficient litigator is crucial. A top civil lawyer will be well-prepared for Kentucky court proceedings, including presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making persuasive arguments before a judge or jury.
6. Maneuvering the Maze of Kentucky Legal Documentation:
Experience avoids pitfalls:
- Handling Complex Paperwork: Civil cases often involve extensive paperwork, documentation, and legal filings in Kentucky. A proficient lawyer can manage all the documentation and ensure everything is filed correctly and within the required deadlines, avoiding potential setbacks.
7. Protecting Your Rights from Legal Missteps in Kentucky:
Experience minimizes risk:
- Protection from Legal Mistakes: Attempting to handle a Kentucky civil case on your own can be risky, as simple errors can have significant consequences. The best civil lawyer will minimize the risk of mistakes that could harm your case and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
8. Access to Valuable Resources Across Kentucky:
Strength comes in numbers:
- Network of Experts: A well-established civil lawyer will have a network of resources in Kentucky, including expert witnesses, investigators, and other legal professionals. These resources can strengthen your case and provide valuable insights.
9. Time Management and Reduced Stress During Your Kentucky Legal Challenge:
Focus on what matters most:
- Time and Stress Management: Legal cases can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. Hiring a skilled lawyer allows you to focus on other aspects of your life while knowing that your Kentucky civil case is in capable hands.
10. Increased Chances of Favorable Outcome in Your Kentucky Civil Dispute:
Experience is your advantage:
- Higher Likelihood of Success: Ultimately, the primary benefit of having the best civil lawyer in Kentucky is the increased likelihood of a favorable outcome. Their expertise, experience, and dedication significantly enhance your chances of achieving a positive resolution in your Kentucky civil case.
Finding the Right Fit:
Remember, the best civil lawyer for you will depend on the specific qualities and expertise of the individual attorney you choose. Therefore, it’s essential to research and select a reputable and experienced civil lawyer who is well-suited to handle your particular Kentucky civil case.