P. Douglas Barr
P. Douglas Barr has been named Managing Director of Kentucky-based Stoll Keenon Ogden, becoming the fourth person in the firm’s 119-year history elected to manage operations and strategic direction.
Barr replaces Bill Lear, who served as the firm’s Managing Director and Chairman for 26 years. Lear is continuing his law practice at SKO and assumes the title of Chairman Emeritus.
“Under Bill’s leadership, SKO has experienced unprecedented growth and is recognized among the top law firms in the region,” said Barr. “It’s humbling to be chosen by my peers to continue building on the foundation of successful client service and community commitment that Bill and his predecessors made a hallmark of the firm.”
An Experienced Litigator and Strategist
Barr joined SKO in 1986 following a three-year stint with Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in Columbus, Ohio. A tough litigator and thoughtful strategist, Barr quickly became a key member and leader of two of the firm’s most active practice groups: Business Litigation and Intellectual Property.
Barr’s ability to break down complex business litigation matters has landed him in the middle of several unique and complicated cases involving patent infringement, intellectual property licensing disputes, trade secret litigation trademark infringement, ERISA disputes and other complex business disputes. Business clients rely on Barr’s counsel regarding intellectual property protection and enforcement strategies, patent and invention assignments, and trade secrets and confidential information protection and enforcement.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Barr has successfully represented clients against competitors in high-stakes “bet-the-company” cases. It is no surprise that Barr enjoys hiking, biking, golf, mountain climbing and marathon running in his spare time.
“Doug has proven himself many times over as a great lawyer and a capable leader,” said Lear. “The management of Stoll Keenon Ogden will be in very good hands.”
Barr earned a bachelor’s degree, with High Distinction, from the University of Kentucky, and his J.D., with Honors, from the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University.
Preparing for Tomorrow
Since joining SKO, Barr has served on the firm’s Board of Directors for many years and in various other leadership roles, most notably as chair of the firm’s Client Service Committee, working with firm leaders to better serve current clients while building relationships with prospective ones. Barr credits this experience for helping prepare him for the Managing Director position.
“Our business is serving our clients and our clients’ businesses, and needs are constantly evolving,” Barr observed. “SKO recognizes the importance of being responsive to our clients and relevant in the communities we serve. These factors are critical to the ongoing success of our clients as well as the firm.”
Barr noted that economic forces and shifts in the political landscape impact all businesses, including law firms. “We’re fortunate to have a talented, astute team of attorneys and professional staff, all of whom are committed to excellence in our profession and fully focused on serving the interests of our clients,” he said. “Our commitment to professional excellence is the source of our strength and the key to our success now and in the future.”
