Attorney

Joshua F. Barnette

Atlanta office:
404-739-8832

Josh Barnette is an attorney in the firm’s Atlanta and Lexington offices. He is a member of the Torts & Insurance, Business Litigation, and White Collar Criminal Defense practice groups. He advises clients through all phases of litigation, including appeals, in state and federal courts. He regularly represents and advises businesses, non-profits, and individuals in the areas of commercial litigation, fiduciary duties, torts and insurance, construction litigation, employment litigation, professional liability, and federal criminal defense.

Recent Assignments

Successfully defended coal mining equipment manufacturer in asbestos-related wrongful death trial.

Successfully defended Kentucky non-profit and its board of directors against claims of conflict of interest, conversion, and fraud resulting in dismissal of all claims with prejudice.

Obtained dismissal, affirmed on appeal, of professional negligence / legal malpractice claims against Kentucky attorney.

Represented small business owner in federal fraud investigation resulting in no charges.

Represented federal grand jury witness in gun/drug conspiracy resulting in no charges against witness.

Represented attorney in civil fraud, civil RICO and professional negligence lawsuit brought in relation to captive insurance program.

Obtained dismissal of civil conspiracy and negligence claims against Georgia attorney and law firm concerning real estate transaction.

Secured agreed order of dismissal of all fraud claims during deposition of plaintiff.

Represented small business owner in fraud and breach of fiduciary duties lawsuit.

Obtained dismissal of indictment brought against client in Eastern District of Kentucky.

Represented federal inmate on post-conviction matters in Eastern District of Kentucky, on brief in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and on petition before the United States Supreme Court.

Successfully mediated numerous lawsuits involving claims ranging from municipal liability to breach of contract.

Represented small business owner in breach of contract lawsuit resulting in Court denying request for money judgment.

Successfully defended trucking company against wrongful termination claims.

Bar Admissions

Georgia

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 Middle District of Georgia

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia

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

U.S. Supreme Court

Firm Leadership

Office of General Counsel, Member

Diversity Committee, Member

Recruiting Committee, Atlanta Office, Member

Memberships

American Bar Association

Kentucky Bar Association

Fayette County Bar Association

State Bar of Georgia

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)

Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ( KACDL)

Defense Research Institute (DRI)

Community Involvement

AthensWest Theatre Company, Board Member (2018-22)

Seedleaf, Inc., Board Member (2018-20)

Education

J.D.,

University of Kentucky College of Law

Org / Honor

Kentucky Law Journal, Managing Articles Editor, Staff Editor

CALI Award in Legal Research and Writing; Central Kentucky American Inn of Court Pupil

Trial Advocacy Board

United States District Court Fellow

Master of Public Administration,

Columbus State University

B.S., Social Science, Criminal Justice,

Minor in Psychology

Mercer University

More Than Stites & Harbison

Josh came to the firm after serving as a judicial law clerk for the Hon. Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Kentucky. Previously, he participated in the firm’s summer associate program and served as a legal intern for the Hon. Karen K. Caldwell, Chief U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Kentucky. Before going to law school, Josh was a United States Probation Officer for the Northern District of Georgia and served as a Management Specialist and Probation Officer for the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Outside of the firm, Josh enjoys domestic and international travel – especially when paired with culinary indulgences – and loves all things outdoors, particularly hiking and camping. He is active in the Lexington community, serving on the Board of two local non-profits, AthensWest Theatre Company and Seedleaf, Inc. He routinely looks for ways to stretch the boundaries of his comfort zone and, in doing so, has found himself participating in multiple 200+ mile relay runs and one ultramarathon.

Accolades

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones To Watch, Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2024-25)

Kentucky Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2024-25)

Contact Resources

Joshua Barnette's LinkedIn Profile