Frederick R. Bentley (Reggie)
Reggie Bentley is a Member in the firm’s Business Litigation Service Group in Louisville. He practices complex business and commercial litigation, class action litigation, real estate litigation, and appellate advocacy.
After obtaining his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Notre Dame, Reggie returned home to Louisville to begin his legal career at Stites & Harbison. He now represents clients in high-stakes matters in state and federal courts in Kentucky and elsewhere. He has counseled a wide range of clients in litigation, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, manufacturers, insurers, individuals in consumer advocacy matters, and many others.
Reggie also advises tech entrepreneurs with a growing practice advising businesses in the cryptocurrency industry, including litigation involving Bitcoin mining operators.
People On The Move in Louisville: Frederick R. Bentley (Reggie)
by editor, Louisville Business First, January 8, 2025
Obtained $1.4 million verdict in a jury trial in circuit court in Jefferson County, Kentucky, in a real estate dispute involving claims of fraud and civil conspiracy.
Appointed to serve as assistance counsel to a pro se inmate pursuing civil rights claims in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Reggie aided the plaintiff with pre-trial procedures and evidentiary issues during trial, and argued directed verdict motions at the close of the plaintiff's case.
Obtained summary judgment for multiple defendants in a putative class action alleging a host of claims, including alleged RICO violations and fraud, relating to the enforcement of tax liens. Judgment was unanimously affirmed on appeal by the Sixth Circuit. Brown v. Tax Ease Lien Servicing, Inc., 776 Fed. App’x 291 (6th Cir. 2019).
Successfully represented company and its officers against shareholder claims for indemnity relating to unpaid withholding taxes. Obtained favorable ruling in trial court relating to unsettled issue of law regarding accrual of indemnity claims under Kentucky law. Judgment was affirmed in a published opinion by the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Noronha v. Zolkiewicz, 583 S.W.3d 42 (Ky. App. 2018).
Represented Fortune 500 company in obtaining full defense verdict at products liability trial in Kentucky Circuit Court.
cum laude
University of Notre Dame Law School
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Dean's List; Student Bar Association Admissions Committee
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Student Bar Association Admissions Committee
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American Association of Justice Student Trial Advocacy Moot Court Competition
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Tournament of Champions Moot Court Trial Competition
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AAJ Student Trial Advocacy Competition National Finalist Team
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Arthur A. May Award (2015)
University of Notre Dame
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Senior Thesis: "Epistemology and Aesthetics: Kant, Hume, and the Romantics"
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Dean's List
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Fencing Team, Captain; NCAA National Champion Fencing Team, member (2011); Two-Time Second-Team All-American Men's Foilist; Two-Time Fifth Place Individual Finish in NCAA National Championships; CoSIDA Capital One First-Team Academic All-American (2011)
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John Crikelair Award (2011)
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Rockne Scholar Athlete (2012)
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Walter M. Langford Memorial Award (2012)
Best Lawyers in America®, Ones To Watch, Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation (2021-24)
Stites & Harbison Promotes Four Attorneys
Stites & Harbison announced today that four attorneys have been promoted to Member (Partner). The promotions are effective January 1, 2025. The new Members (Partners) include Frederick R. Bentley (Reggie), Trevor T. Graves, Brian P. Lee, and Alison M. Zeitlin.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2025 Best Lawyers® Publications
Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 97 of its lawyers are included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence according to the publication. Additionally, 12 Stites & Harbison attorneys are named as “Lawyer of the Year” and 30 attorneys are recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, which recognizes attorneys early in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2024 Best Lawyers® Publications
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 101 of its lawyers are included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2021 Best Lawyers® Publications
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 82 lawyers are included in the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC, adds four new attorneys in October 2015