Home - Cook and Watkins, PLC

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 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

Associate

Stephen Watkins

Member

Joey Marie Went

Associate

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.

Click here to see samples of our work

What Do Our Clients Say?

We work hard to establish lasting relationships with our clients so that if they have a legal problem, they know where to turn!

(Click here to see more testimonials.)

Having been in business for over 40 years, I have encountered many situations requiring routine legal assistance. Unfortunately, I have also encountered a few situations along the way that posed a grave threat to our business which required excellent legal representation to achieve the best possible outcome for our company. <<click to see more>>

J.C. Egnew President, Outdoor Venture Corporation

Duane represented me in litigation over control of my businesses. Throughout the discovery process, preparation for trial, and trial, Duane proved himself to be a brilliant tactician and master of witness examination. The defendants gave up and settled at the close of our evidence at trial. Duane also successfully represented me in an appeal of <<click to see more>>

James Gary Collins Owner, James Collins Ford

Duane Cook has been general counsel for Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation and its various affiliates for more than 25 years — helping us navigate state and Federal regulatory programs, defending and prosecuting complex litigation on our behalf, and representing us in business matters of virtually all types, including <<click to see more>>

L. Ray Moncrief Executive Vice President and COO (until 2015 retirement)

Two Convenient Locations:

Better Together - Our Offices Work Alongside Each Other to Ensure the Coverage You Need and Expect

Georgetown

Located in a historic home in the heart of the Bluegrass, the Georgetown office specializes in business, insurance, real estate, and complex business litigation

Louisville

Just a stone's throw from downtown Louisville, our Lyndon office features our estate-planning experts with a side of business know-how

Find out what's new with us

19 Apr

Time for Spring Cleaning in Kentucky

Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and it’s time for spring cleaning in the Bluegrass! While you’re going through papers and disposing of any that you don’t need, take a look at your estate documents and see if it’s time to update them. We recommend that you review your estate plan with an attorney every few years or any time…

1 Mar

Best Probate Attorneys in Lexington!

Congratulations to Cook and Watkins for being named one of the best probate firms in the Lexington area! We work hard to help our clients with estate planning and probate resolution and it shows! Contact us today if you need help with estate planning or probate.

15 Feb

In Kentucky, it doesn’t snow, it ices!

As you can see from this photo, occasionally in Kentucky ice drops from the sky and coats everything, making roads treacherous. Please check in with us before visiting our office to ensure the nearby roads are clear! As always, we are available by phone, email, or video conference if you would like to avoid traveling at this time.