James E. Skaggs

Associate
Email: jskaggs@whtlaw.com
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Practice Areas:
Workers’ Compensation

Admissions:
2001, Kentucky
2001, United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky

Education:
Murray State University, B.S., History, 1998
University of Kentucky, J.D., 2001

Memberships:
Fayette County Bar Association
Kentucky Bar Association

Born: Hopkinsville, Kentucky, January 25, 1974

Biography:
Born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Jamey grew up in Cadiz, Kentucky in the lakes region of western Kentucky. He attended Murray State University from 1994 through 1998, graduating with a B.S. degree in History with an interest in Archaeology. He was the author and co-author of several published papers presented to various Archaeological Societies including SEAC and History Societies such as the Filson Club, arising from research and fieldwork he both participated in and led. He was a member of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society and Lambda Alpha Anthropology Honor Society. Mr. Skaggs also had published during his time at Murray short stories and poetry. While at Murray, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity, serving as 1st Vice President and Alumni Relations Chair, as well as the Order of Omega Greek Leadership Society, and served in various capacities, including the Executive Council, of Interfraternal Council. Mr. Skaggs was active in intramural athletics while at Murray.

Mr. Skaggs attended the University of Kentucky College of Law from 1998 to 2001 where he was actively involved in the Federalist Society and Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity. While attending the College of Law he published an essay in The New Federalist Papers entitled “On Capital Punishment.” Upon graduation from law school, he returned home to practice law for two years. Mr. Skaggs has been with Ward, Hocker & Thornton, PLLC since the 2003 as an associate. He has worked almost exclusively in insurance defense law since joining the firm, primarily concentrating on workers’ compensation defense since 2003. He has presented seminars on Kentucky workers’ compensation law to clients throughout the Southeast, including Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee as well as in presenting in educational forums.

Mr. Skaggs resides in Lexington, Kentucky. He is an avid follower of college athletics, and enjoys reading and politics as well as camping, hiking, and boating. He is a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.