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William M. Lear Jr
Bill Lear
Bill Lear, managing director of Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC, has announced his decision to step down from the firm’s top leadership role to focus on his law practice and civic engagement responsibilities. P. Douglas Barr has been elected by the firm’s Board of Directors to replace him.
“It’s an honor to be chosen by my colleagues to manage the operations of our firm for so many years,” said Lear, in a release announcing the leadership change. “After 22 years as managing director and four years as board chair, I am pleased to hand the
reins to Doug Barr and focus on my clients, my family and service to the greater community.”
Lear started at SKO in 1980 and has worked primarily in the firm’s business litigation and real estate and government relations practices. Under his leadership, the firm has experienced significant growth, including though its merger with Louisville-based Ogden Newell & Welch in 2006. From 1985 to 1994, Lear also served as a state representative in the Kentucky General Assembly, chairing the House Economic Development Committee as well as the Commerce and Economic Development Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
He will continue as the firm’s chairman emeritus, and he will also maintain his other board positions, including his role as trustee of Keeneland and vice-chair of the Jockey Club. Lear will also begin a one-year term as chair of the board of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce this fall.
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P. Douglas Barr_
P. Douglas Barr
Barr will serve as the firm’s fourth managing director since its founding in 1897. He joined SKO in 1986 after three years of practice with Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in Columbus, Ohio. He has worked as a member of the firm’s business litigation and intellectual property practice groups. He has also chaired the firm’s Client Service Committee.
“The business of running a law firm is changing, as are the needs of clients,” Barr said. “Under Bill’s leadership, SKO is positioned to be more responsive to our clients and more relevant in the communities we serve. The firm is fortunate to have an outstanding group of attorneys and I look forward to working with them to ensure the continued success of SKO and our clients.”