Jennifer Barbour

Jennifer “Jen” Barbour is a Louisville-based commercial litigation attorney with a national practice. As Chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department, she helps clients resolve some of their most complex disputes, from fiduciary duty and breach of contract cases to professional liability, healthcare, and restrictive covenant litigation.

What sets Jen apart is her focus on people and outcomes, not just process. Whether representing a trustee accused of breaching duties or advocating for a beneficiary seeking accountability, she brings balance, fairness, and clarity to high-stakes conflicts. Clients often remark that Jen is both tenacious in the courtroom and supportive throughout the process, keeping them informed and confident every step of the way.

Jen’s practice centers on fiduciary and contract disputes, where she has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving trustees, fiduciaries, corporate officers, and directors. She is known for quickly mastering the facts of each case and tailoring litigation strategies to align with her clients’ goals and business realities.

Her philosophy is simple: understand the client’s business, the impact of litigation, and the ultimate goals before deciding on strategy. That client-first approach has helped her build not only successful outcomes, but also lasting relationships—many of her former clients remain close friends.

Client Perspective:
“Jen was knowledgeable and supportive throughout the process. She kept communication clear and made sure I always understood the strategy and next steps.”

Authored appellate briefs in Sandoz Pharm. Corp. f/k/a Novartis Pharm. Corp. v. Gunderson, 279 S.W.3d 93 (Ky. 2008), involving precedent-setting pharmaceutical liability issues.
Obtained judgment on the pleadings upholding a shareholders’ agreement in a case alleging conflicts of interest and breach of fiduciary duty.
Secured an arbitration award of nearly $800,000 for clients enforcing advancement of litigation expenses under indemnification agreements.
Obtained an arbitration award of nearly $200,000, including $50,000 in punitive damages, for directors pursuing expense advancement claims.
Obtained complete dismissal of all claims against a banking institution alleged to have engaged in fraud with regard to a significant commercial loan.

• AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
• Kentucky Super Lawyers®, business litigation, 2022, 2026; personal injury medical malpractice defense, 2021, 2025
• Kentucky Super Lawyers®, Kentucky Rising Stars®, personal injury medical malpractice defense, 2015 – Present
• Best Lawyers in America®, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2018 – Present
• Louisville Bar Foundation, Fellow

Professional Leadership

• Fellow and Board Member, Louisville Bar Foundation
• Board Member, Louisville Girls Leadership
• Government Relations Committee, Federal Bar Association
• Louisville Bar Association
• NAWBO – Kentucky Chapter and National Organization
• President, Meyzeek Middle School PTSA
• Membership Committee, duPont Manual High School PTSA

Commercial Litigation

J.D., University of Louisville (2006)

B.A., American Politics and Comparative History, University of Virginia (2003)

Kentucky

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky

U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

Jen regularly shares her knowledge with peers and the legal community. Her published works include:

• “Don’t Be ‘Snakebit’: ESI Pitfalls to Avoid,” Bar Briefs (2021)
• “Advancement Rights in Officer and Director Liability Cases,” Common Defense (2020)
• “Commercial Motor Vehicle Insurers ‘Beware’ MCS-90 Endorsement Implications,” Insurance Research Letter (2016)
• “Ex Parte Communications with the Treating Physician in Litigation,” Bar Briefs (2014)

Dedicated to leadership both inside and outside the firm, Jen serves as President of the Meyzeek Middle School PTSA and as a Membership Committee member at duPont Manual High School PTSA. She also launched the firm’s book club to foster community and connection within Gray Ice Higdon.

Outside of her professional life, Jen is a devoted dog lover—once hosting 12 dogs under her roof, now a “downsized” pack of four. She is also an enthusiastic home cook and, above all, the proud mother of two children, Gabe and Ella.