Atty. J. Clarke Keller

Atty. J. Clarke Keller

Clarke Keller's practice focuses on defending Kentucky-area emergency medical service providers, product liability litigation and transportation law, including aviation, motor carriers and railroads. He serves as chair of the Business Litigation Group in the firm's Lexington office.

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Profile Summary

About J. Clarke Keller at a glance

J. Clarke Keller is a business, litigation, and adr attorney based in Lexington, Kentucky, practicing at Stites & Harbison PLLC. Admitted to practice in Kentucky, Kentucky Bar Association. Educated at University of Kentucky (J.D., 1984) and University of Notre Dame (—, 1973). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Mediation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Lexington, KY and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Clarke Keller's practice focuses on defending Kentucky-area emergency medical service providers, product liability litigation and transportation law, including aviation, motor carriers and railroads
  • He serves as chair of the Business Litigation Group in the firm's Lexington office
  • He helped a start-up commercial enterprise obtain an FAA exemption and Certificate of Authorization to operate an unmanned aerial system (UAS) or drone, for commercial purposes
  • Additionally, Mr. Keller also maintains a successful mediation practice, having effectively mediated hundreds of cases throughout his career
  • Clarke was an officer and helicopter pilot in the U.S
  • Air Force from 1974-81 and served as a helicopter pilot in the Kentucky Army National Guard from 1983 to 1990
  • Mr. Keller recently completed eight years of service on the Board of Trustees for Lexington Catholic High School, two of those years as Chair, and is a member and lector of Christ the King Cathedral Parish
  • He's also a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and past president of the Notre Dame Club of Central Kentucky

Practice Areas Explained

J. Clarke Keller's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases J. Clarke Keller handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

J. Clarke Keller is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Kentucky →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

J. Clarke Keller is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Kentucky →

Mediation & Arbitration

Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.

J. Clarke Keller is one of 73,906 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in Kentucky →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Kentucky

Practicing law in Kentucky. Legal matters in Kentucky are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Lexington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Kentucky state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Kentucky brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Kentucky courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Kentucky attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Lexington or all attorneys in Kentucky.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about J. Clarke Keller

Where is J. Clarke Keller's law office located?
J. Clarke Keller's law practice is located in Lexington, Kentucky. The firm is Stites & Harbison PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does J. Clarke Keller handle?
J. Clarke Keller focuses on business, litigation, adr. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Kentucky.
Where did J. Clarke Keller go to law school?
J. Clarke Keller earned their education at (J.D., 1984); (—, 1973).
How can I contact J. Clarke Keller for a consultation?
You can contact J. Clarke Keller directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has J. Clarke Keller received?
J. Clarke Keller's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Mediation; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants.

Education

J.D.
University of Kentucky
- 1984
University of Notre Dame
- 1973

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mediation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Kentucky Super Lawyers (2007-present)
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Kentucky, Kentucky Bar Association

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