Jason Coltharp is a seasoned civil defense and appellate attorney based in Paducah, Kentucky, with over two decades of experience representing clients in complex legal matters across the state. A Paducah native, Jason returned to his hometown after earning his law degree to begin his legal career in service to his local community.

Practice Areas and Services:

• Appellate Advocacy
• Civil Litigation Defense
• Construction Law
• Liquor Liability Defense
• Professional Liability Defense
• Insurance Defense

Legal Background and Professional Experience:

After graduating cum laude from the University of Kentucky College of Law, Jason served a prestigious two-year clerkship with Hon. Thomas B. Russell, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. In 2003, he joined Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC, becoming a Member of the firm in 2008.

Jason represents businesses, professionals, and individuals in a wide range of civil litigation and appellate matters. He has argued cases before:

• The Kentucky Court of Appeals
• The Kentucky Supreme Court
• The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

In a landmark 2009 Sixth Circuit case, Jason was chosen to draft the appellate brief for 10 attorneys and 38 clients, and was later selected to deliver oral arguments representing 23 attorneys and 58 clients—a testament to his credibility and skill in appellate advocacy.

He holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest peer rating for ethical standards and legal ability, every year since 2013.

Education & Credentials:

• J.D., University of Kentucky College of Law, 2001 (cum laude)
• Order of the Coif
• Notes Editor, Kentucky Law Journal
• Trial Advocacy Board
• B.A., History, University of Kentucky, 1998 (magna cum laude)
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Philo Bennett Award recipient (best undergraduate history paper)

Licenses and Professional Affiliations

Jason is licensed to practice in:

• All Kentucky State Courts
• U.S. District Courts (Eastern & Western Districts of Kentucky)
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• Supreme Court of the United States

He has held numerous leadership positions, including:

• Past President, McCracken County Bar Association
• President, Kentucky Defense Counsel
• Member, International Association of Defense Counsel (since 2019)

He also served as Chair of the Publications Committee for Common Defense, the Kentucky Defense Counsel’s biannual magazine.

Community Leadership:

Jason is deeply involved in civic and nonprofit organizations throughout Paducah and McCracken County, including:

• Board Chair, Easter Seals West Kentucky
• Board of Directors, Paducah-McCracken County Growth, Inc.
• Past President, University of Kentucky Alumni Association
• Layreader, Grace Episcopal Church
• Rotary Club of Paducah, active member

He is also a graduate of Leadership Paducah (Class 20) and has served in leadership roles for the Paducah Tennis Association, Paducah Film Society/Maiden Alley Cinema, and the Paducah McCracken County Joint Sewer Agency.