Lexington, KY – October 21, 2025 – Ward, Hocker & Thornton, is proud to announce that Pierce W. Hamblin and Leslie P. Vose, highly respected mediators and attorneys, have joined the firm.
With an exceptional reputation for professionalism, fairness, and results, Hamblin and Vose bring years of experience guiding clients through complex disputes with integrity and skill. Known for a balanced and solution-focused approach helping individuals and businesses resolve conflicts efficiently and amicably.
“Adding Pierce and Leslie to our team underscores our firm’s commitment to offering innovative dispute resolution options,” said Gregg Thornton, member.
In addition to a strong background in mediation, Pierce Hamblin is a seasoned trial attorney and mediator whose six-decade legal career is anchored in Lexington, Kentucky. A loyal son of the Bluegrass State, Pierce has dedicated much of his life to public service, legal education, and high-stakes civil litigation.
Pierce began his distinguished career as a U.S. Army officer, entering military service as a Distinguished Military Graduate and rising to the rank of Captain. He received specialized training as a Tactical Intelligence and Counterintelligence Officer and served as a Judge Advocate within the Army. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Army ROTC Hall of Fame in 2015.
After his military service, Pierce transitioned to a full-time legal career. His practice centers on civil litigation, with particular emphasis on insurance defense, product liability, medical/legal cases, and automobile litigation. He has served as lead counsel in bad faith cases, acted as a Special Master in mass tort litigation, and defended insurers across a spectrum of claims.
Pierce is also a recognized authority in alternative dispute resolution. Since 2006, he has engaged in mediation and arbitration, having mediated over 10,000 disputes. He was a charter member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals from Kentucky beginning in 2010.
An educator at heart, Pierce has served over 40 years as an adjunct professor at the UK J. David Rosenberg College of Law, instructing courses in Trial Techniques and Litigation Skills, as well as Negotiation and Mediation. In acknowledgment of his enduring commitment to legal education, two rooms in the Law School are permanently named in his honor.
Pierce holds a J.D. from the University of Kentucky (1977), a degree in Military Law from the University of Virginia School of Law (1986), and a B.B.A. from the University of Kentucky (with High Distinction, 1973). His bar admissions include the Commonwealth of Kentucky (1977), the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
His work has earned peer recognition through numerous honors:
- Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyers since 2009, and multiple years ranked among the Top 10
- Repeated recognition by Best Lawyers in Mediation and Arbitration (Lexington)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Rating
- University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law Hall of Fame (2006)
- Recipient KBA Kentucky Service to Young Lawyers Award (2013)
- Designations including Distinguished Lawyer of the Year (Kentucky Bar Association, 2006) and Fayette County Bar Association’s Henry T. Duncan Award for Integrity and Leadership (2023)
- Election to the Judicial Nominating Commission for Kentucky’s Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (2024)
- Kentucky Chapter Outstanding Achievement as Mediator by American Board of Trial Advocates (2025)
Beyond his professional roles, Pierce deeply values his life as husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife Sandy have three children and one granddaughter, and his personal life infuses his legal philosophy—grounded in integrity, perseverance, and empathy—forging meaningful connections with clients and colleagues alike.
Leslie Vose is a distinguished trial lawyer whose practice spans employment law, civil and commercial litigation, municipal defense, professional negligence, premises liability, trucking defense, and civil rights litigation. Leslie brings deep experience and strategic insight to complex disputes.
Leslie has served clients across both public and private sectors, representing municipalities, employers, insurers, and individuals in matters involving employment disputes, regulatory compliance, and high-stakes tort actions. She also regularly appears in federal and state courts, and has argued notable matters, including Kendrick v. Bland before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Leslie holds a J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law (1978), where she served on the Kentucky Law Journal and a B.A. (with Highest Distinction), University of Kentucky (1975); Phi Beta Kappa. Her bar admissions include the Commonwealth of Kentucky (1978); U.S. District Courts, Eastern & Western Districts of Kentucky; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; and U.S. Supreme Court.
Over her career, Leslie has been honored in numerous ways:
- Top 25 Women, Kentucky Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America (Employment Law in Lexington, both individuals and management)
- Recognized for 25 years of certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Lawyer of the Year in Lexington, Employment Law – Individuals (2024)
- AV Preeminent Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- Henry T. Duncan Award (Fayette County Bar Association) for Distinguished Personal Professional Conduct
Leslie is also an active contributor to the legal community through teaching and service. She regularly speaks and leads seminars on employment law, is involved in bar association leadership, and has held roles in pro bono and civic organizations.
Her reputation among clients and peers is that of a tenacious advocate with pragmatic judgment, a deep well of litigation knowledge, and a dedication to upholding legal and ethical standards.
Ward, Hocker & Thornton looks forward to the growth of its mediation practice and to continuing its tradition of serving clients with excellence and dedication.
About Ward, Hocker & Thornton
Ward, Hocker & Thornton, PLLC (WHT Law) is a premier regional law firm with 47 attorneys and offices in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Since 1984, WHT has built its reputation on trusted advocacy, client-focused solutions, and consistent results.
The firm concentrates on insurance defense, commercial litigation, premises liability, personal injury, product liability, medical negligence, nursing home, municipal law and coverage disputes, representing clients from initial claim through appeal.
With attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and firmwide honors as a Best Place to Work in Kentucky, WHT is known for its depth of experience, strong regional presence, and collegial culture. Clients value the firm’s ability to combine personal service with big-case capabilities, ensuring tailored strategies and efficient outcomes.