Throwback Thursday: ELPO Law celebrates 50 years
A Southern Kentucky law firm is celebrating 50 years in 2023. English, Lucas, Priest,
and Owlsley, also known as ELPO, announced earlier this month that 2023 is the five
decades celebration. With roots running deep into the Bowling Green area’s history,
we take a trip down memory lane for ELPO’s 50th in this week’s Throwback
Thursday.
It all started in 1973. Charles English, Jim Lucas, Whayne Priest, and Michael
Owlsley established a law firm in Bowling Green. Whayne Priest’s background in
municipal law paved the way for ELPO’s involvement in the Inter-Modal
Transportation Authority, the organization that oversees the Kentucky Transpark.
Michael Owlsley worked more with school districts and education law. Charles
English handles business and estate cases, and served as President of the Kentucky
Bar Association.
The team has grown to over 60 employees over the past five decades. The firm built
its first office at 1101 College Street in 1975, and its current location was built in
1989.
ELPO believes charitable giving to local organizations is important, especially those
benefitting economic development, children in need, celebrating the arts, and
promoting education. The most recent organizations ELPO has supported include
the Commonwealth Health Foundation free clinic, the Hospitality House, SKyPAC
and Orchestra Kentucky, local school systems and Western Kentucky University.
ELPO has a unique global reach, as a member of Meritas, an international alliance of
independent law firms. ELPO can connect clients to interests all over the United
States and the world through extra client service. ELPO even pioneered a law firm
growth program aimed at helping sole practices expand. In fact, ELPO opened a new
office in Elton in Todd County last year.
The community is grateful to have locally-owned and operated community-driven
businesses like ELPO. That’s it for Throwback Thursday, brought to you by Hart
County Tourism and the Kentucky Museum.
In Bowling Green, because local matters, Telia Butler, WNKY News 40.
