LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC announced in January that six attorneys have been promoted within the law firm effective January 2020. The new Members (Partners) include:

J. Brittany Cross Carlson, Louisville, Ky., office, Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. Carlson’s practice focuses on drug and medical device litigation, product liability, medical malpractice and personal injury. She defends multiple international medical device and product manufacturers in federal and state courts across the nation, and acts as Kentucky counsel for a national retailer, handling personal injury, contract and property-related litigation.

Rachel Owsley, Louisville, Ky., office, Business & Finance Service Group. Owsley focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions, ESOP transactions and general business services. She regularly represents large international and medium-sized businesses across the country in important commercial transactions.

Rebecca M. W. Sherman, Lexington, Ky., office, Construction Service Group. Sherman’s practice focuses on advising clients throughout all phases of construction projects including planning, contract drafting and negotiation, project administration, and disputes. She represents owners, contractors and subcontractors in construction disputes and litigation. Sherman’s practice also includes representation of professional athletes and entertainers in contract negotiations and business disputes in the sports and entertainment industries.

Emily Larish Startsman, Lexington, Ky., office, Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. Startsman has handled a variety of litigation matters for insurance companies, medical providers, corporations and local businesses. Her focus includes medical malpractice, products liability and a variety of personal injury matters.

Zachary VanVactor, Louisville, Ky., & Jeffersonville, Ind., offices, Business Litigation Service Group. VanVactor regularly handles complex matters at both the trial and appellate level in state and federal courts around the country. His practice focuses on complicated business litigation, class action and multidistrict litigation, financial services litigation, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, intellectual property litigation and professional liability defense.