Member

Whitney Frazier Watt

Since beginning her career at Stites & Harbison in 2003, Whitney has developed a wide-ranging litigation practice that includes product liability, toxic torts, mass actions, contract disputes, tortious interference, coverage disputes, and wrongful death. Whitney has taken and defended hundreds of depositions and made countless court appearances, including trials. An experienced defender of mass torts, she is currently responsible for managing a docket of several hundred product liability cases brought by thousands of plaintiffs. Whitney’s practice requires daily vigilance and dedication to ensure that a large team of attorneys and paralegals is always focused on the client’s best interests.

Recent Assignments

Management of serial litigation against a major manufacturer of safety equipment

Secured summary judgment for a forklift manufacturer in asbestos litigation

Litigation against a prominent appliances manufacturer

Trucking litigation, including scene investigation, against a large professional services provider

Product liability, personal injury, and contract litigation against a moving equipment and storage rental company

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

Memberships

International Association of Defense Counsel

  • Product Liability Committee: Chair (2023–25)
  • Roundtable Chair (2024)
  • various Vice Chair roles (2017–23)

International Association of Defense Counsel

  • DEIB Committee: Vice Chair
  • Empowerment Collaborative (2022–23)
  • Member Involvement (2021–22)

International Association of Defense Counsel

  • CLE Steering Committee (2026 Annual Meeting, Prague): Chair (2025–26)

American Bar Association

  • Women in Product Liability Subcommittee
  • Former Chair (2013-14)

Defense Research Institute

Trial Attorneys of America

Member

Kentucky Bar Association

Louisville Bar Association

Community Involvement

Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Program, Board of Directors (2020-present)

Girl Scouts – Troop 2166, Co-Leader

Whitehall House & Gardens, Board of Regents; Vice Regent (2024-present); Secretary (2019-20)

Education

J.D.,

2003

University of Kentucky College of Law

Org / Honor

Kentucky Law Journal, Managing Editor 2002-03

B.A., English,

2000

Davidson College

European Studies Program - Classics,

1998

Oxford University, Lincoln College

Accolades

Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Preeminent® Peer Review Rated

Best Lawyers in America®, Mass Tort Litigation / Class action – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2020-25)

Kentucky Super Lawyers® (2015-25)

Kentucky Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2013-14)

Forty under 40 List, Business First of Louisville (2013)

Contact Resources

Whitney Frazier Watt's LinkedIn Profile