Mr. Amato has practiced law throughout Kentucky since his graduation from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1990. He has been nominated and identified in Kentucky Super Lawyers® for four consecutive years, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.  His practice is diverse, focusing on civil litigation and administrative law. His litigation practice is focused primarily on employment law, representing employers in all state and federal trial courts, state and local administrative agencies, and throughout the respective courts of appeal. Employment-related issues with which Mr. Amato has particular experience and expertise include, the enforcement of no-compete agreements, the investigation and defense of discrimination claims, and the negotiation and enforcement of severance agreements.In addition, Mr. Amato has significant litigation experience and expertise in governmental entity defense, including specific experience in defending local governments, governmental agencies and government officials in connection with claims brought against them under both state and federal law, including § 1983, negligence claims, and state constitutional claims, for alleged deliberate indifference to medical needs, excessive force, claims and claims, negligence claims and employment claims. Mr. Amato’s administrative practice focuses extensively in the area of alcoholic beverage regulation, primarily representing the interests of alcoholic beverage retailers and distributors in connection with licensing and enforcement issues at both the state and local levels. Mr. Amato is a regular speaker and presenter, including serving as presenter and author: Litigatign to Win Through Advanced Trial Advocacy (NBI, scheduduled June 2011); Advanced Trial Tactics (NBI, June, 2010);Employment Policies and Procedures: A Critical Legal Update forEmployers (McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland client seminar, October 2009);Depositions A – Z (NBI, August, 2007);Annual Ethics CLE (Fayette County Bar Association, May 2007 and May 2010)