by Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC
Press Release • Posted August 1, 2014

Induction into the College highlights distinguished legal practice

PADUCAH, Ky. – E. Frederick (Rick) Straub, Jr., managing partner of Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC, has been tasked to serve as the Kentucky Vice Chairperson of the American College of Trial Attorneys.  Mr. Straub was admitted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2008 and joins two former firm members in this prestigious association – of-counsel member Richard C. Roberts and former managing partner (now U.S. District Judge) Thomas B. Russell.  Firm member and section leader Gary B. Houston is also a member of a similar organization, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Attorneys is one of the premier legal associations in America.  Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.  Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.

Membership in the College cannot exceed one per cent of the total lawyer population of any state or province.  There are currently approximately 5,675 members in the United States and Canada, including active Fellows, Emeritus Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and Honorary Fellows.

The College strives to improve and elevate the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the trial profession.  Qualified lawyers are called to Fellowship in the College from all branches of trial practice.  They are carefully selected from among those who customarily represent plaintiffs in civil cases and those who customarily represent defendants, those who prosecute accused of crime and those who defend them.  The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.