Bench & Bar January/February 2026

WHO, WHAT, WHEN & WHERE

Yvette Hourigan , director of Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program, an agency of the Kentucky Supreme Court, has been appointed for her third and final term as chair of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs. The mission of the Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs is to assure that every judge, lawyer and law student has access to support and assistance when confronting sub

her academic and extracurricular commitments, she gained valuable experience in both state and local government, where she assisted with legal research, legislative matters, and policy initiatives. Spraggs is also a licensed Kentucky real estate agent. Her experience in real estate transactions provides her with a practical understanding of property matters and enhances her ability to advise clients with a comprehensive and informed perspective. A native of Benton, Ky., Kennadi’s small-town roots have shaped her distinctive outlook on the practice of law. Bricker Graydon LLP and Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP , two leading regional law firms with deep roots in Ohio and Kentucky, recently announced their intent to merge effective January 1, 2026. The combined firm, to be known as Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP , will unite more than 325 attorneys across 14 offices in four states, creating one of the largest and most comprehensive legal service providers in the region. “This merger brings together two firms that share not only complementary practices, but also a deep commit ment to client service, collaboration, and community,” said Chris McCloskey , managing partner of Bricker Graydon, who will remain in that role once the firms merge. “Bricker Graydon and Wyatt share a deep commitment to client service and excellence in the practice of law. We couldn’t be happier with this merger, what it means for our clients and our team, and how it positions us for the future,” said Franklin Jelsma , managing partner of Wyatt. Both firms consid ered it critical to find a merger partner committed to maintaining a positive culture based on mutual respect and teamwork. Bricker Graydon and Wyatt have been fixtures in their respective com munities for generations, filling leadership roles in the business community, making significant contributions in civic initiatives, and providing meaningful pro bono legal services.

stance use disorders including alcoholism and other mental health issues so that lawyers are able to recover, families are preserved, and clients and other members of the public are protected. As the organized bar’s sole national entity providing such support and assis tance, the Commission approaches its mission through supporting the work of state and local Lawyer Assistance Programs; providing extensive outreach; conducting and advancing research; addressing the needs of specific populations; and promoting policies to protect the public while helping lawyers, judges, and law students in need of assistance.

Nathaniel Fowler , a partner at FBT Gibbons , was recently recognized as one of Louisville Business Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40.” Fowler graduated from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg School of Law in May 2016.

EMWN Law is pleased to welcome Kennadi Spraggs to their team. Spraggs earned her B.A. in political science, magna cum laude , from the University of Kentucky in 2022. She went on to receive her J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law in 2025, where she was awarded the Core-Law Diver sity/Merit Scholarship. During law school, she

was actively involved in leadership and service. She served as vice president of both the Women’s Law Caucus and the Law Wellness Initiative, and as social chair of the Student Bar Association. She was also a member and pupil of the Inns of Court. In addition to

Franklin Jelsma

Chris McCloskey

@KyBarNews

@Kentucky Bar Association

@Kentucky Bar Association

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