Member

Emily Larish Startsman

Emily Larish Startsman is an attorney in the firm’s Lexington office where she is a member of the Torts and Insurance Practice Service Group. Emily has handled a variety of litigation matters for insurance companies, medical providers, corporations, and local businesses. Her focus includes medical malpractice, products liability, bad faith, and a variety of personal injury matters.

Recent Assignments

Represent a major manufacturer of respiratory protection products in serial litigation.

Successfully defended claims against estate from inception of case through appeal.

Secured summary judgment for client in state court on governmental immunity ground.

Obtained summary judgment on middleman defense in products liability action in federal court.

Defend Kentucky-area hospitals, physicians, and emergency medical services providers in medical malpractice and wrongful death litigation.

Bar Admissions

Kentucky

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky

Firm Leadership

Office of General Counsel, Member

Memberships

American Bar Association

Kentucky Bar Association

Fayette County Bar Association

Defense Research Institute

Community Involvement

The Nest – Center for Women, Children and Families, Board of Directors; HR Committee (2016-present)

Leadership Lexington, Class of 2019-20

Education

J.D.,

2011

Vanderbilt University Law School

Org / Honor

Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law, Managing Editor

Research Assistant for Prof. Owen Jones

2L Moot Court Competition

Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society

B.A., Psychology,

2005

magna cum laude

Washington and Lee University

Org / Honor

Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society

Kappa Kappa Gamma Women’s Fraternity

More Than Stites & Harbison

Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Emily served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Danny C. Reeves, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Kentucky.

In her free time, Emily enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Accolades

Best Lawyers in America®, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2025)

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones To Watch, Commercial Litigation; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2021-22)

Kentucky Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2019-21)