Eric C. Straub is a trusted estate planning, probate, business, and real estate attorney serving clients across Paducah and Western Kentucky. A lifelong Paducah resident and Member at Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC, Eric focuses his legal practice on helping families, individuals, and businesses navigate complex legal matters with clarity and confidence.

Recognized as a Super Lawyers® Kentucky Rising Star from 2020–2024, Eric is known for his compassionate client service, sharp legal insight, and deep knowledge of estate law, trusts, business transactions, and property law.

Practice Areas & Services:

• Estate Planning & Probate
• Estate Administration
• Business & Corporate Law
• Real Estate Law & Closings
• KHSAA eligibility law and appeals procedure

Legal Background & Professional Experience:

Estate Planning & Probate Attorney – Kentucky & Illinois

Eric has extensive experience representing executors, administrators, trustees, and beneficiaries in a wide range of probate, estate, and trust administration matters, including:

• Probate of testate (with a Will) and intestate (without a Will) estates
• Will contests and estate litigation
• Trust administration and disputes
• Creditor claims and Kentucky inheritance tax filings
• Real and personal property transfers
• Navigating court processes and statutory deadlines

Eric understands the emotional toll the probate process can take and is committed to making estate administration as smooth and respectful as possible.

Custom Estate Planning Solutions

Eric helps clients build personalized estate plans to protect their assets and loved ones. His services include:

• Wills and Trusts (Revocable & Irrevocable)
• Powers of Attorney and Living Will Directives
• Testamentary Trusts
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Estate tax and inheritance tax planning
• Special needs planning and business succession integration

Business & Corporate Law

Eric works with businesses of all sizes on entity formation, contract drafting, and strategic planning. His services include:

• Formation and structuring of LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofits
• Operating agreements, bylaws, and buy-sell agreements
• Business acquisitions, mergers, and asset sales
• Succession planning for closely held businesses
• Entity dissolution and corporate compliance

Real Estate Law & Closings

With a strong background in real estate transactions, Eric provides legal guidance and document preparation for both residential and commercial real estate closings. His services include:

• Title examinations and title insurance
• Drafting of purchase and sale agreements, deeds, leases, and mortgages
• Legal support for evictions, quiet title actions, and partition actions
• Landlord-tenant representation and property dispute resolution

Education & Credentials

• J.D., University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, 2017
  – ABA Student Bar Association Representative
  – Vice President, Sports & Entertainment Law Society
• B.S., Missouri State University, 2014
  – Major in Socio-Political Communication
  – Certification in Conflict and Dispute Resolution
  – NCAA Division I Varsity Golf Team
  – Missouri Valley Conference Leadership & Service Award Recipient
  – President, Student Athlete Advisory Council (2012–2013)

Licenses & Professional Affiliations:

• Kentucky Bar Association
  – Probate & Trust Law Section
  – Young Lawyers Division
• Illinois Bar Association
• McCracken County Bar Association
  – President-Elect (2023–2024)
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky

Community Leadership:

Eric is deeply engaged in the Paducah community, serving in leadership roles and volunteer positions:

• Rotary Club of Paducah – Past President (2022–2023), Board Member (2018–present)
• Paducah Junior College Foundation – Board of Trustees
• Paducah Bank Community Board – Member
• Paducah Young Professionals – Steering Committee Member (2018–2021)
• United Way Reading Pals – Volunteer (2017–present)
• Leadership Paducah – Class #32 Graduate
• Baptist Health Foundation – President’s Circle
• American Cancer Society Volunteer
  – Dancing With Our Stars Participant & Mentor
  – Real Men Wear Pink Campaign

Personal:

Born and raised in Paducah, Kentucky, Eric graduated from Heath High School in 2009 before attending Missouri State University on a golf scholarship. He later earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law and returned to Paducah to serve the community he calls home.

Eric is married to Emma Robinson Straub, a golf instructor and former coach. Together, they are proud parents to Emilia Kristine Straub and Eric Collins Straub, Jr.

In his free time, Eric enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and giving back to the Paducah community.