John W. Bilby, Business Attorney in Louisville, Kentucky
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation · 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatStoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
Louisville, KY
Practicing business in Louisville since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John W. Bilby?
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Quick answer
John W. Bilby is a member based in Louisville, KY. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Louisville, KY
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Litigation · Litigation
- Handles Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation matters from Louisville, KY.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John W. Bilby: John W. Bilby is a member based in Louisville, KY. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by John W. Bilby
John concentrates on business, estate litigation, litigation, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Litigation
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Litigation
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Trusts
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Business cases in Louisville, Kentucky
John takes business matters in Louisville, Kentucky. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in Louisville, Kentucky
John takes estate litigation matters in Louisville, Kentucky. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Louisville, Kentucky
John takes litigation matters in Louisville, Kentucky. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Louisville, Kentucky
John takes trusts matters in Louisville, Kentucky. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
About John W. Bilby — Over 51 years of Kentucky business experience
John W. Bilby is a member based in Louisville, KY. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John is a seasoned litigator and a member of Stoll Keenon Ogden’s Business Litigation practice. He also co-chairs the Trust & Estate Litigation practice. John’s career is highlighted by numerous successes in courts, recovering assets and resolving claims for the benefit of his clients.
Recognition
• AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
• Best Lawyers®, Lawyer of the Year, 2014, 2017, 2018
• Best Lawyers®, Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation-Defendants, Real Estate Litigation, Securities Litigation, Trusts & Estates Litigation, 2007-present
• Kentucky Super Lawyers® Honoree, 2011-2020
• Trust & Estate Attorney of the Year in Kentucky, Global Law Experts, 2015
• Best in Technology Transfer Disputes in Kentucky, Corporate America Awards, 2015
• Trust & Estate Attorney of the Year in Kentucky, Corporate Intl Magazine Global Award, 2014, 2015
• Louisville Magazine Top Lawyer, Business/Commercial Law, 2012-2014; Business Litigation, 2013 and 2014
Legal Practice
In my practice, I litigate business, estate and trust, and fiduciary disputes. I focus on contract disputes involving technology transfers and fiduciary disputes involving banks, trust companies and brokerages. I also represent fiduciaries in disputes with trust beneficiaries over the management of trust assets. My trial experience includes significant cases involving business disputes over computer software and fiduciary matters.
Recent highlights of my career include the following:
• SKO successfully defended a bank against 36 claims for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and negligence brought by seven beneficiaries of two trusts, with an initial demand ranging from $450 million to $1.2 billion. Before trial, SKO obtained a summary judgment, dismissing 10 of the beneficiaries’ claims and reducing their demand to $162 million. Following a three-week trial, the court entered judgment in favor of the bank against the remaining claims. The bank also sought recovery of costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees under the fee-shifting statute of Kentucky’s Uniform Trust Code. The court awarded $2.6 million, more than 95 percent of the amount in the bank’s motion, in one of the first awards rendered by a Kentucky appellate court under the fee-shifting statute.
Looking Ahead
Estate, trust, fiduciary and securities litigation have become a much larger part of our trial practice. The generation now reaching retirement age has accumulated wealth; with it comes claims against fiduciaries, among beneficiaries and against brokerages.
Work Highlights
Estate Litigation
After a 2 ½ week trial in the Bourbon Circuit Court in 2013, obtained a favorable jury verdict setting aside an estate plan on the basis of undue influence and unsound mind and awarding damages exceeding $550,000 for misappropriation of Trust funds.
Related Practices: Trust & Estate Litigation
Abuse of Power of Attorney & Joint Account
SKO successfully represented a trust company appointed as conservator for an individual diagnosed with dementia who had millions of dollars taken from him by his attorney-in-fact (power of attorney) who also fraudulently created joint survivorship accounts. The individual also generated a will in his favor. SKO successfully voided the will and recovered more than $16 million in assets.
Related Practices: Trust & Estate Litigation, Business Litigation, Business Torts
Suitability Claims
SKO successfully represented a bank acting in a fiduciary capacity in pursuing suitability claims against a securities firm. The amount recovered for our client was approximately $10,000,000.
Related Practices: Banking, Securities Litigation, Business Litigation
News
118 SKO Attorneys Named to “2023 U.S. News Best Lawyers® in America”, Aug. 18, 2022
77 STOLL KEENON OGDEN ATTORNEYS HONORED IN “BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA” 2022 Edition, Aug. 19, 2021
73 Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC attorneys are recognized in the 2021 edition of the Best Lawyers in America®, one of the most respected legal peer-review guides in the world., Aug. 20, 2020
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 47 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, Nov. 27, 2019
SKO Attorneys Recognized Among 2020 Best Lawyers in America®, Aug. 15, 2019
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 52 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, Dec. 11, 2018
SKO Attorneys Recognized Among 2019 Best Lawyers in America, Aug. 15, 2018
SKO Named Litigation Firm of the Year for the 5th Time, Feb. 16, 2018
SKO Attorneys Recognized Among Best Lawyers in America, Aug. 16, 2017
Trustee Awarded $2.6 Million From Beneficiaries Who Sued For $1.2 Billion, Mar. 1, 2017
Five SKO Attorneys Recognized Among Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyers, Nov. 18, 2016
Best Lawyers in America Chooses 61 SKO Attorneys for 2017 Publication, Aug. 30, 2016
Twelve SKO Attorneys Named 2017 Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers®, Aug. 29, 2016
30 SKO Attorneys Named “Top Lawyer” by Louisville Magazine, Mar. 2, 2016
SKO Honored as Kentucky’s Litigation Law Firm of the Year; M&A Practice Named State’s Best, Dec. 22, 2015
Lea Pauley Goff and Richard G. Griffith named among Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyers, Nov. 30, 2015
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2016, Aug. 17, 2015
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 57 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, Nov. 24, 2014
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2015, Aug. 18, 2014
33 SKO Attorneys Named “Top Lawyer” by Louisville Magazine, Mar. 25, 2014
Six SKO Attorneys Receive “Attorney of the Year” Status by Corp INTL, Jan. 27, 2014
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 42 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, Nov. 26, 2013
SKO Attorneys Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers, Sep. 24, 2013
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2014, Aug. 19, 2013
34 SKO Attorneys Names “Top Lawyer” by Louisville Magazine, Mar. 5, 2013
61 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2013, Sep. 7, 2012
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 31 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, July 20, 2012
53 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2012, Sep. 6, 2011
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 25 SKO Attorneys, July 25, 2011
53 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2011, Aug. 6, 2010
49 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Aug. 6, 2009
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 41 SKO Attorneys, June 19, 2008
39 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Sep. 19, 2007
Affiliations
• American Bar Association
• Indiana Bar Association
• Kentucky Bar Association; Ethics Committee member, 2005
• Citizens for Better Judges, 1989 - present; Advisory Board member, 2017-present
Working with John on a business matter
John is a seasoned litigator and a member of Stoll Keenon Ogden’s Business Litigation practice. He also co-chairs the Trust & Estate Litigation practice. John’s career is highlighted by numerous successes in courts, recovering assets and resolving claims for the benefit of his clients. Recognition • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® • Best Lawyers®, Lawyer of the Year,…
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate litigation, and litigation matters in Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky area.
Credentials
John W. Bilby's legal education and bar admissions
University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law
J.D. · 1975
University of Kentucky
B.B.A. University · 1971
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Indiana U.S. Court o
1989 · ACTIVE
Kentucky
1975 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and B.B.A. University in University of Kentucky.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and B.B.A. University in University of Kentucky. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Kentucky is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of John W. Bilby
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association Indiana Bar Association Kentucky Bar Association Ethics Committee member, 2005 Citizens for Better Judges, 1989 - present Advisory Board member, 2017-present
membership
Locations
John W. Bilby's office in Louisville
John's primary office is at 2000 PNC Plaza, 500 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY, 40202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
2000 PNC Plaza, 500 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John W. Bilby — 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Louisville.
4.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John W. Bilby claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John W. Bilby — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Louisville, Kentucky
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John W. Bilby
How much does it cost to hire John for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Kentucky typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Louisville?
John is licensed in Kentucky. Matters governed by Kentucky law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new business clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Louisville, Lexington and Frankfort in Kentucky
John handles business matters throughout Kentucky. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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