ELPO Law is the largest full-service law firm our region and deeply ingrained in Western Kentucky. Our attorneys serve on non-profits’ boards, volunteer in schools, donate to charitable causes and coach soccer teams. Many are raising their families here. This is our home, and we want to contribute, both by offering sound legal advice to those who are building Kentucky into a better bluegrass and by lending volunteer support to the organizations that make this a great place to live.
If you need to create an estate plan, handle an immigration issue, file a personal injury case or get assistance with a complicated business matter, we can help.
The History of ELPO Law:
In 1973, four attorneys came together to form English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP, a new law firm in Bowling Green, Ky. Charles E. English, James Lucas and Michael Owsley worked together at another firm, and they asked Whayne C. Priest Jr. to join with them to form ELPO. Charles English, Michael Owsley and Whayne Priest are still with the firm today. Jim Lucas passed away in 2004.
Whayne Priest has a strong background in municipal law as he served as the city solicitor for eight years. He has continued to handle cases that involve local government throughout his career, including his work with the Inter-modal Transportation Authority, the organization that oversees the management of the Kentucky Transpark, a 1,200-acre high-tech business park in Bowling Green. Michael Owsley began working with several school districts throughout Kentucky, and was joined in his education law practice work by Regina Jackson, who came to ELPO in 1993. Other associates also assist in the area of education law, as ELPO now counts among its clients more than 20 school districts. Charles English handles business law cases, estate cases and many of the firm’s appellate cases. Mr. English also served as president of the Kentucky Bar Association, as did his son, Charles E. “Buzz” English, who is also an attorney at ELPO.
The firm added its first associate, Keith Carwell, in 1974. Mr. Carwell is still with the firm. Other attorneys joined over time, expanding the reach of the firm and the types of cases the firm handles.
For the firm’s first 20 years, Michael Owsley served as the managing partner of ELPO, guiding its business practices and growth, including hiring new associates and support staff. Regina Jackson took over this position in 2001, and under her tenure, the firm added a firm administrator, Travis Armstrong, in 2005. Bob Young served as managing partner from 2007 to 2010, and D. Gaines Penn became managing partner in January 2011. Bob Young returned as Managing Partner in January 2016 and continues to serve as Managing Partner today.
English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP has long contributed to the community in many ways. As a business, the firm contributes significantly to many community and some statewide causes. ELPO also contributes to the local economy as an employer, with 60+ people including attorneys and support staff working for the firm. In 1986, the firm built its current building at 1101 College Street in downtown Bowling Green.
Founded in 1973
60 people in their team
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