Cook and Watkins, PLC – We Represent the People Who Keep America in Business

Letter to Clients

Our Specialties

We are particularly adept at and interested in all of the issues surrounding business operation, litigation and appeals, real estate, insurance coverage, and planning for the future.

ABOUT US

Serving Businesses And Individuals Across The Bluegrass Region and Beyond

Our Philosophy

We love our work and care about our clients. We pay attention to the details. We set high standards and get results.

With offices in both Georgetown and Louisville, Cook & Watkins, PLC, is a law firm uniquely suited — by experience, design, and commitment — to serving businesses, business people, and individuals with estate planning needs. We invite you to contact us today to learn how we can meet your legal needs.

We Provide the Services You Need

Whether you need advice on a business deal, guidance through a court case, or planning for your future, we have you covered.

Business Transactions

The attorneys at Cook & Watkins have decades of experience helping our clients navigate all aspects of forming and owning a business. Whether you're just starting out, need additional capital, have negotiations to conduct, or need to wrap up your business, we can help.

Complex Business Litigation

Litigation is a common fact of conducting business, but it does not have to be a painful experience. Whether you have been sued or need to enforce your rights, Cook & Watkins has experienced litigators ready to walk you through every step and help you to achieve the best outcome possible.

Real Estate

At Cook & Watkins, PLC, we are committed to representing clients in transactions and litigation involving real property, because we know the importance that real property has to individuals and families beyond the monetary value of that property. The real property you own is more than a chunk of the Earth, it’s your place in the world. Our goal is to provide the same passion about your property rights that you have coupled with the skills necessary to secure your place in the world.

Estate Planning and Asset Protection

Most people have opinions about how they would like their assets divided when they pass away. Without an estate plan, those opinions could be disregarded. In addition, probate can be a lengthy and espensive process. Proper estate planning can protect your estate and your loved ones.

Elder and Guardianship Law

Unfortunately, as we and our loved-ones age or in cases of physical or mental disability, it can be hard to manage our affairs. We genuinely care about our clients and want to help you to make the best decisions for your future and for the care and protection of your loved-ones.

Insurance Coverage Litigation

Our lawyers represent clients in disputes with their insurance companies over what their policies cover. If a claim is made against you which you think should be covered by your liability insurance policy and the insurance company denies coverage or notifies you that will defend you but reserve its right to later deny coverage of the claim, we can help. Similarly, if property you own is damaged or destroyed and your property insurance company denies your claim, we can help.

Our People

Our attorneys and staff combine a wide range of career experience, skills, and perspective to create a formidable team, dedicated to protecting your interests

Duane Cook

Managing Member

John Sosbe

Member

Stephen Watkins

Member

Benjamin Watkins

Member

Administrative Staff

Representative Cases

Mouse-over for more details and to access samples of our work

Shawnee Telecom Resources, Inc. v. Brown

Duane obtained a decision from the Kentucky Supreme Court reversing a Court of Appeals decision which was adverse to our client. The Supreme Court decision establishes the business valuations standards for shareholder dissenters’ rights cases in Kentucky.

Gambon v. Estill County Energy Partners, et al.

Duane obtained a reversal in the Kentucky Court of Appeals of a trial court decision “piercing the corporate veil” and holding our client liable for the debts of a corporation she owned.

Freeman Corporation v. Tomen America, Inc.

Duane represented the Plaintiff and obtained a $6.5 MM judgment against a Japanese conglomerate for fraud, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. The case was reported in Business Week – “For Japan Inc., A Kentucky Whipping.”

Manhattan, Inc. v. Clark

Duane represented the owners/defendants in this struggle over one of the largest and most valuable tracts of undeveloped land in the Lexington urban service area. The owners received a summary judgment terminating their contract with the developer. The judgment was upheld on appeal.

American Engineering Company v. Hanover Insurance

Duane represented the plaintiff in this insurance bad faith coverage case. The insurance company twice obtained a favorable judgment in the federal district court and twice the judgments were overturned in the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The case was settled after the second appeal.