Tom Miller is a seasoned maritime and employment litigation attorney in Paducah, Kentucky, with over 30 years of courtroom and advisory experience across multiple federal circuits and state courts. A Member at Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC since 2000, Tom has built a national reputation for handling complex commercial, maritime, and employment disputes. 

Tom began his legal career after earning his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1991 and completing a prestigious clerkship with U.S. District Judge Edward H. Johnstone. He previously practiced with a regional defense firm and served as Acting General Counsel for Murray State University.

Practice Areas & Services:

• Maritime & Admiralty Law
• Employment Law
• Business Litigation

Legal Background & Professional Experience:

Maritime & Admiralty Law Practice:

As a Member of the Maritime Law Association, Tom has litigated maritime cases in Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, Iowa, and Indiana. His experience includes:

• Jones Act claims
• Unseaworthiness claims
• Vessel collisions, allisions, submersions & tow breakaways
• Limitation of Liability actions
• Section 905(b) actions
• Marina & product liability litigation
• Vessel seizures & salvage disputes

Tom has represented towing and barge companies in state and federal appellate courts, including the Seventh and Eighth Circuits and the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

Employment Law & Business Litigation

Tom regularly advises employers, general contractors, architects, and corporate entities on: 

• Workplace discrimination & wrongful termination claims
• Wage and hour disputes & civil rights claims
• Construction contract disputes & defect claims
• Fraud, insurance coverage, and general business litigation

His litigation track record includes appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court, Sixth Circuit, and Kentucky Court of Appeals, including serving as counsel of record for the prevailing parties in a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Education & Credentials

• Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 1991
  – American Jurisprudence Award in Commercial Paper
  – Bureau of National Affairs Student Award
• Murray State University, B.M., 1981

Licenses & Professional Affiliations:

• Kentucky Bar, 1992
• Tennessee Bar, 2019
• U.S. District Courts: Western & Eastern Districts of KY; Middle & Western Districts of TN
• U.S. Courts of Appeals: 6th, 7th, and 8th Circuits
• U.S. Supreme Court
• Maritime Law Association of the U.S.
• American Waterways Operators, Vendor Member
• Propeller Club of Paducah
• Kentucky Bar Association – Construction & Employment Law Sections
• Joint Local Federal Rules Commission, 2021–Present
• Evidence Rules Review Commission, KY Supreme Court (2003–2008)

Community Leadership:

Tom is actively engaged in the Paducah community, including leadership roles in:

• Community Foundation of West Kentucky – Former Board Member
• Paducah Symphony Orchestra – Past President; Founding Member of Original Horn Section
• First Presbyterian Church of Paducah – Trustee, Elder, Musician
• Child Watch Advocacy Center – Former Board Member & Pro Bono Counsel
• Crawfish Boil Fundraiser – Founder & Organizer (since 2015)
• Carson Center for the Performing Arts – Former Board Member

Personal:

Tom and his wife Cindy Baggett Miller, a music director and pianist, are lifelong supporters of the arts and founding members of The Paducah Singers. They enjoy traveling to support their three daughters, all of whom are professional performing artists.