Beginning with Thomas Waller, followed by Henry O. Whitlow, Judge Thomas B. Russell, Earl Frederick Straub, Jr. (Rick), R. Christion Hutson to managing member, Nicholas M. Holland, the firm has enjoyed a 95-year succession of leadership. In that time, the ranks of managing member have included two presidents of the Kentucky Bar Association, five members of the Board of Governors of the KBA, a U.S. District Judge, a Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge, four Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, a Special Justice of the Supreme Court of Kentucky, with countless other achievements and accolades. 

Under the leadership of Rick Straub from 1994-2016, the firm sustained its robust tradition while growing tremendously to today’s practice which consists of 11 actively practicing attorneys and 3 Of Counsel (Russell, Houston and Straub). An array of organized practice areas was developed, and WRHS currently consists of the widest range of highly talented, experienced, and service-minded attorneys in the firm’s history. The firm has also structured its leadership to enhance day-to-day practice skills while developing future leaders. Five partners serve as practice section leaders and mentors: Elizabeth A. Wieneke (trust and estates), Nicholas M. Holland (business, real estate, and general transactions), C. Thomas Miller (maritime litigation and transactions), R. Christion Hutson (workers compensation), and Jason R. Coltharp (liability litigation, including medical malpractice and auto/general liability defense). R. Christion Huston served as managing member when the firm expanded its operations to include an office in Murray, Kentucky to best serve the firm’s clients in all areas of western Kentucky and northwest Tennessee.