Managing Partner – Lexington; Co-Chair of the Environmental & Natural Resources Practice Group, Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP
LW-Carolyn-Brown-(2 of 2)-0339
Photo by Mick Jeffries
Carolyn M. Brown was raised valuing hard work from an early age. The first in her family to attend college, Brown grew up in Somerset, Ky., raising cattle with her parents, Everett and Hazel Brown.
“I owe them a lot,” credited Brown. “My parents were always very supportive of me.”
Around the age of 8, Brown’s father began purchasing cattle at the stockyard for her to raise. It was her responsibility to get up every morning, feed them with a bottle and care for them.
Brown didn’t always know she wanted to be an attorney. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1979 with her bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, Brown went to Frankfort to work for the Department of Natural Resources.
“It was a very exciting time to be a part of things,” said Brown, who went back to UK later to graduate from the College of Law in 1982.
“It’s important to find something that is of interest to you and apply yourself,” advised Brown. “If you work hard and do a good job, all else will flow from that. Success will follow, and you will be a success. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Hopefully you will find something that will keep you engaged and active.”
After graduating from law school, Brown joined the law firm of Thompson & Knight in Dallas, a practice focused on environmental law issues facing business and industry. But alas, Brown and her husband missed the Bluegrass and wanted to return to Kentucky.
Joining Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC in the Lexington office in 1985, Brown said she was fortunate to have Lloyd Cress and Marc McGraw as mentors at the firm.
“When Lloyd took over leadership of the Lexington office, I moved into the leadership role for the environmental and natural resources practice,” she said.
Effective Jan. 2, Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC merged with Bingham McHale LLP to become Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP, and Brown became the managing partner of the Lexington office as well as co-chairing the firm’s environmental and natural resources practice group with her counterpart in Indianapolis, Ind., Andy Bowman.
Along with her career success, Brown has understood the importance of playing an active role in the community. She has worn hats throughout the years on the Fayette Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Living Arts & Science Center board. She has also chaired the Kentucky Bar Association Environment, Energy & Resources Law Section and remains active in the section. She currently serves on the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board and chairs the Chamber’s Energy and Environmental Council.
“I believe the Kentucky Chamber plays such an important role for the business community in our state, which benefits us all,” said Brown.
Despite her busy schedule, Brown and her family enjoy traveling the state parks with a picnic in hand. Carter Caves, Natural Bridge, and Cumberland Falls are among her favorites.