Joe B. Gabbard is an Associate at Stoll Keenon Ogden, having joined the firm in 2024. He works out of the Frankfort, Ky office. During his time in Lexington, Joe has established a robust network in the equine, real estate, and business sectors. He specializes in business litigation, equine litigation, and government relations.

Notable career milestones include interning for a U.S. Senator in Washington, D.C., serving as Team Leader for Negotiation Simulation at the Army War College, and working as an Analyst for the Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. His experience ranges from serving as second chair in trials to representing small family businesses in mergers and acquisitions, and working in Sales Preparation at the historic Claiborne Farm, where he prepared yearling Thoroughbred horses for sale at public auction.

Joe brings a deep understanding of legal intricacies and global affairs to the Stoll Keenon Ogden team, ensuring comprehensive representation for clients across various industries and legal matters.

Business Litigation: Joe and the business litigation team excel in providing strategic guidance and representation in business litigation, encompassing disputes, lawsuits, arbitration, and conflicts. Their approach emphasizes early dispute management through sound business practices while also navigating complex, high-stakes disputes with meticulous strategy. With a focus on efficiency and client objectives, they handle litigation across various scales and situations, aiming for optimal outcomes while considering time and financial constraints. Recognized as top litigators by prestigious sources like Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell®, their expertise spans a wide array of fields, including antitrust, appellate, banking, class action, and more. Utilizing tailored teams and strategic thinking, they guide clients through the entire process, from investigations to negotiations, trials, and beyond.

Equine Litigation: With over 75 years of experience, our firm has been a global leader in equine industry legal services, specializing in thoroughbreds and other breeds, including American Saddlebreds, Arabians, Morgans, Standardbreds, and Quarter Horses. Joe and our equine litigation practice team represent equine groups and individuals before the United States Equestrian Federation and handle major litigation, arbitration, and mediation spanning antitrust to collection matters, with expertise in agisters and stud fee liens. Our clients range from well-known racetracks like Keeneland to owners, trainers, and administrative tribunals. Additionally, the equine litigation team counsels in bankruptcy proceedings, representing large horse farms as secured creditors and assisting in fee and debt collection for various equine industry participants.

Equine Transactional: With extensive experience in equine law worldwide, our equine transactional practice team offers comprehensive legal services in administrative law, commercial transactions, representation of industry and nonprofit organizations, financing, intellectual property, international transactions, syndications, taxation, and litigation. This team represents a diverse range of clients, including racetracks, associations, owners, trainers, and industry organizations across various jurisdictions. Their expertise spans from drafting contracts for horse transactions to advising on tax structuring and resolving disputes through litigation or alternative dispute resolution methods.

Government Relations: Joe and the government relations team have extensive government backgrounds. Drawing on years of successful partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, this group aims to meet the diverse needs of our growing clientele. The team’s public sector experience spans roles such as the Kentucky House of Representatives, Cabinet Secretary, and General Counsel for various state agencies, complemented by active involvement in key legislative bodies and task forces.