Richard G. Griffith
Member , Lexington KY
Richard “Rick” Griffith is a Senior Member of Stoll Keenon Ogden’s Lexington office, has practiced since 1983, and has been with the firm since 2002. He is a member of the Labor, Employment & Employee Benefits and the Class Action practices. Rick’s practice regularly includes counseling employers and litigating all types of employment law disputes.
For his many legal accomplishments, Rick is a 2014 BTI Client Service All-Star, is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, is listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, recognized by Chambers USA, and is honored as a Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyer. He was co-chair of the Planning Committee for, and author of a chapter in, the University of Kentucky’s practice handbook on employment law. Since 1992, he has served as the planning co-chair and moderator of the University of Kentucky’s Employment Law Institute.
Rick is a member of the Fayette County, Kentucky, and American Bar associations. He gives back to the community by serving on the Board of Trustees of the Lexington Theological Seminary (currently vice-chair of the Board). He formerly served on the Board of Land and Nature Trust of the Bluegrass. He is a member of the Rotary Club and belongs to Central Christian Church. Married with two daughters, Rick enjoys traveling in his free time.
Education
University of Kentucky College of Law, 1983, J.D., (Law Review, Moot Court Board)
University of Kentucky, 1980, B.A., with high distinction (Phi Beta Kappa)
Experience
Admitted In
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U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky
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U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky
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U.S. Tax Court
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Kentucky
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U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
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U.S. Supreme Court
Professional & Community Activities
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Kentucky Bar Foundation
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Fayette County Bar Foundation
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American Bar Association
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American Bar Foundation, Fellow
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Land and Nature Trust of the Bluegrass, former Board Member
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Jubilee Jobs of Lexington, Board Member, Vice-Chair
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Hope Center, Board Member
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Lexington Theological Seminary, Board Member, former Vice-Chair
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14th Biennial Employment Law Institute, Co-Chair
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First United Methodist Church, Former Chair Staff Parish Committee, Member of Administrative Council, numerous other leadership positions
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Rotary Club, former Member
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Downtown Lexington Corporation, former Board Member
Accolades
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AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
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Best Lawyers® 2012, 2017, 2024 Labor Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year” in Lexington
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Best Lawyers® 2013, 2021, 2025 Employment Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year” in Lexington
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Best Lawyers® 2018, 2020 Litigation – Labor and Employment “Lawyer of the Year” in Lexington
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Best Lawyers in America®: Employment Law — Management, Labor Law — Management, and Litigation — Labor and Employment (2006 – present)
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BTI Client Service All-Star, 2014
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Chambers USA, Leading Lawyer for Business, Labor & Employment, 2014-present
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Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2007-2023, 2025
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Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyer, Employment & Labor, 2017, 2025
Work Highlights
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Dismissal of Complaints
SKO sought dismissal of two complaints against a theological seminary, arguing that the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prevents the Court from considering the matter. More specifically, SKO argued that because of the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses, courts do not have jurisdiction over claims arising from the employment relationship between a religious institution and its ministerial employees. The Court granted summary judgment for the Seminary, and the Kentucky Court of Appeals confirmed each judgment.
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Breach of Employee Covenant
SKO filed suit on behalf of a relocation and executive housing provider to enforce the covenants in an employment agreement and to recover damages. A competitor hired a former employee of our client and conspired with the employee to steal business from our client by misappropriating trade secrets and improperly utilizing confidential information.
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