J. Tanner Watkins

J. Tanner Watkins is a seasoned litigator. He has vast experience representing businesses in logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, banking, and insurance. He earned his J.D. cum laude from the University of Kentucky College of Law. J. Tanner Watkins excelled and won CALI Awards for Advanced Torts and Alternative Dispute Resolution. He also holds a B.A. from Centre College.

Watkins’ practice includes commercial litigation, fiduciary disputes, banking law, appellate advocacy, personal injury, product liability, and IP disputes. He represents clients in trials, injunction hearings, and appeals in state and federal courts. He focuses on strategic analysis and custom solutions. His legal strategies must align with each client’s goals. This applies to both settlement negotiations and trial advocacy.

In addition to his litigation expertise, Watkins is a recognized leader in the legal community. As former Chair of the Kentucky Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, he led more than 5,000 young attorneys across the state. He also co-founded the Legal Food Frenzy, an annual fundraising campaign that supports Kentucky’s food banks. His dedication to the profession earned him the honor of Kentucky’s Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year in 2017. Watkins currently serves on the Kentucky Bar Association Board of Governors and represents Kentucky in the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates.

Watkins greatly contributes to the Louisville community, especially in the arts and education. As a member of the Speed Art Museum’s Board of Governors, he chairs its Governance Committee. He has helped shape its strategic direction. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Kentucky College of Art and Design. He successfully chaired its $12 million capital campaign. Watkins’ commitment to the community led him to start Enrich Louisville. It’s a coalition that aims to boost access to education for all students.

Watkins’s work shows his dedication to client service, the law, and society. He has excelled in both his job and community leadership.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
• Member, Kentucky Bar Association
• Board of Directors, Louisville Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Board of Directors, Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company of Kentucky

Licensed State

• Kentucky
• Tennessee

Education

• University of Kentucky College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Centre College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges