At Denton & Keuler, the delivery of quality legal services to our clients is our primary objective. It goes without saying, that our support staff  plays an integral part in achieving this goal.

Each member of our staff has the training, skills, and experience to meet the ever changing needs of our clients. Whether it is complex litigation, estates, or real estate transactions, our staff is dedicated to providing our clients with excellent legal services and establishing trusting relationships.

We invite you to take a few minutes so that we may introduce our staff members by clicking the links below or by scrolling down the page.

STAFF DIRECTORY

Debbie  D. Albritton, Legal Assistant Holly Johnson, Legal Secretary
Lesley Bladsel, Legal Assistant Peachie Jones, Paralegal Assistant
Gaye Brandstetter, Legal Secretary JoAnn King, Real Estate
Janet S. Burnett, CPS, Office Administrator Vickey  L. Martin, Legal Assistant
Melanie Carter, Real Estate John Pace, Legal Assistant
Melissa Clark, Office Assistant Douglas W. Painter, Legal Assistant, MIS
Danna Collie, Legal Secretary Martha Peck, Legal Secretary
Christina Downing, Paralegal Assistant Cindi Shepherd, Accounting
Caitlin Edwards, Express Specialist Kimberly D. Wallace, Real Estate
Michelle Garrett, Real Estate Assistant Roxanne Wright, Accounting
Donna Henderson, Legal Secretary  

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Janet S. Burnett, CPS
Office Administrator and Legal Assistant

Areas: Probate, Bookkeeper, Human Resources

jburnett@dklaw.com

Jan began her employment with Denton & Keuler in 1970 as bookkeeper. Her accounting skills and her desire to help clients at a time in need drew her into the area of Probate and Estate. Over time, she has demonstrated her business savvy and achieved the title of Office Administrator overseeing a staff of 32 employees.  Jan is also responsible for the firm's web site and its ongoing development.

Originally from Ohio, Jan has attended college in Ohio and in Kentucky.  In 1993, she achieved the distinction of Certified Professional Secretary and was awarded the 1992-93 Secretary of the Year.  Her professionalism in her business dealings is second to none.  Jan is an active member in the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., and the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Jan is also an active member of the West Kentucky Community and Technical College Office Systems Advisory Board and the Paducah Technical College Advisory Board. Jan has served on the Administrative Board of Trinity United Methodist Church for the past six years.

Jan enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and playing golf. She and her husband have participated in many couples golf tournaments.

Professional Development:

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LEGAL ASSISTANTS

Douglas W. Painter
Sr. Legal Assistant and Manager of Information Systems

Areas:  Litigation Support, Investigations, Trial Assistance, Systems Development

dpainter@dklaw.com

Doug joined the firm in 1987. He attended college at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is a 1987 graduate from Brannon Business Institute in Paducah, Kentucky, where he holds a diploma in Paralegal Studies.

He serves as a litigation assistant and conducts field investigations on cases. He also oversees the firm's technology needs comprised of a network of 35 users. He is a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., Kentucky Paralegal Association, and Western Kentucky Paralegals.

Presentations

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Debbie D. Albritton
Legal Assistant

Areas: Litigation Support

dalbritton@dklaw.com

Upon completing her education and receiving an Associate in Applied Science degree from Paducah Community College in 2002, Debbie joined the firm as a Litigation Legal Assistant. With the heavy case load and working for multiple attorneys at one time, her skills in organization and communications are obvious. Her prior work experience in the area of client communication and private business enhance her commitment to client satisfaction. Debbie is a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., and is a member of numerous civic and church organizations.

Her four children keep her busy, and she is the quintessential "Soccer Mom" traveling to soccer tournaments across the region.

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Kimberly D. Wallace
Legal Assistant

Areas:  Real Estate

kwallace@dklaw.com

Attention to detail is what Kim does best. Performing title searches requires both a sharp eye and keen mind. Prior to her employment in 2002, Kim worked with the financial and banking industry in Paducah, Kentucky. She brings that experience to the position of Legal Assistant in the area of real estate title examination. Kim is a 1985 graduate of Heath High School and attended Brannon Business Institute.

An avid sports person, Kim enjoys her son's sporting interests and attends all practices and games. She also enjoys home improvement projects on her home.

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Vickey L. Martin
Legal Assistant

Areas: Litigation Support, Workers' Comp

vmartin@dklaw.com

With 14 years of previous legal experience, Vickey joined the firm as a Legal Assistant in 2002. A native of Midland, Michigan, she brings her prior experience to be used in litigation, case investigations, and Workers' Compensation. Her understanding and knowledge of the legal processes and tactics are proving vital to the services the firm provides for its clients. While in her home state of Michigan, she took legal courses at Delta College at University Center, Michigan. Vickey is a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.

During her time off, Vickey and husband Kevin enjoy browsing antique shops and flea markets searching for unique baskets for her basket collection and miniature collectibles to fit into her miniature collections.

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John Pace
Legal Assistant

Areas: Litigation Support

jpace@dklaw.com

John began his employment with Denton & Keuler in July, 2004, as a clerk with four years of legal experience. Born in Paducah, Kentucky, John has been a lifelong Kentucky resident. He is a 1996 graduate of Lone Oak High School. In 2003 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Murray State University where he majored in Political Science and minored in History. After graduation, John studied abroad in London, England.

In his free time John enjoys sporting events, movies, reading, and having a good time with friends and family.

Professional Development

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Christina Downing
Paralegal Assistant

Areas: Litigation Support

cdowning@dklaw.com

Christina and her husband moved to Paducah, KY when her husband left the military for a job at USEC in 1996.  Besides working two jobs, Christina is pursuing an Applied Science degree at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.  Prior to going back to college, Christina was a pre-school teacher for five years.  However, Christina has always been interested in law, and she is very excited about joining Denton and Keuler.  She joined the firm as an intern in the Title Department in May 2007 to fulfill the requirements for her WKCTC classes.  She is currently a litigation assistant in the Paralegal Department.  Christina has served five years on the board for Lighthouse Ministries which provides shelter for homeless women and children.

Her family includes two daughters who keep her active attending their activities such as drama classes and soccer.

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Peachie Jones
Parlegal Assistant
Area: Litigation Support

pjones@dklaw.com

Peachie joined the firm as a Paralegal Assistant in fall 2007.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Leland Stanford Junior University in California in 2005, and subsequent to graduation, served a two-year mission in rural Washington. In addition to the enjoyment she receives from reading, running and singing, Peachie's leaving the west coast and returning home affords her the many pleasures of spending time with her family.

Peachie’s long-term aspirations include attending law school and practicing law, writing a book, and having a large family of her own.

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Lesley Bladsel
Legal Assistant

Areas: Litigation Support, Probate, Real Estate

lbladsel@dklaw.com

Lesley returned to Denton & Keuler in February 2008.  She was previously employed as a Real Estate Assistant in 2002 while attending Paducah Community College.  Her love for details, accounting, and working with clients turned her interest to the area of Probate and Estate.  

Lesley is a 2005 graduate of Murray State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.  She was nominated to the Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma and participated in the International Business Seminar Study Abroad Program while at Murray.  Lesley is currently working towards her MBA at Murray State.

During her spare time, Lesley enjoys playing golf, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.  She is originally from Metropolis, IL; however, she recently purchased a home in Paducah.  She is engaged and currently planning a wedding for the summer of 2009.

LEGAL SECRETARIES

Gaye Brandstetter
Sr. Legal Secretary


gbrandstetter@dklaw.com
In 1969, Gaye began her employment at Denton & Keuler as Legal Secretary for Senior Partner David Denton. Today, she continues in that role and is an invaluable resource to all new employees, not to mention the entire firm. A native of Murray, Kentucky, Gaye's knowledge of the legal processes is unsurpassed and impeccable. Her work background includes employment with the Federal Government, City of Murray, and a law firm located in Murray, Kentucky. She has attended Paducah Community College and Murray State University.  Gaye is a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

Gaye and her husband enjoy their Kentucky Lake home and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and their dog, Bailey.

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Martha Peck
Sr. Legal Secretary


mpeck@dklaw.com

Born in Abernathy, Texas, Martha and her husband met in Washington, D.C., where they were employed with the federal government.  They moved to the Paducah area when her husband took a job with Union Carbide Gaseous Diffusion Plant.  Joining the firm in 1977, Martha has been the Legal Secretary for attorneys Tom Keuler and Bill Pinkston. While in Texas, Martha continued her education at Lubbock Commercial College and finished her education at Paducah Community College with an Associate of Arts degree.

At her home in the country, Martha enjoys music, reading, and gardening.

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Danna Collie
Sr. Legal Secretary


dcollie@dklaw.com
Prior to her employment with Denton & Keuler in 1998, Danna gained eight years of experience in the legal field in Paducah, Kentucky. Today, she brings that experience to the firm and serves as Legal Secretary to Ted Hutchins and Glenn Denton with a concentration in litigation and estate planning. Danna is a 1992 graduate of Marshall County High School and a 1995 graduate of Paducah Community College with an Associate of Arts degree.

Formerly known as Danna Miller, she married David Collie on July 19, 2004.  Danna enjoys spending time with her daughter Hannah. 

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Donna Henderson
Legal Secretary

dhenderson@dklaw.com

Donna began her employment with Denton & Keuler in June 2005. She brings to the team 10 years of experience as a legal secretary. She is a 1990 graduate of St. Mary High School in Paducah, Kentucky and a 1994 graduate of West Kentucky Community & Technical College where she majored in court reporting.

Donna is married to Kerry Henderson, and they have one son Matthew. In her spare time, Donna attends ceramic classes and enjoys tole painting.
Holly Johnson
Legal Secretary

hjohnson@dklaw.com

Holly joined Denton & Keuler in December 2005. A native of Vancouver, Washington, Holly attended Clark College in Vancouver and has six years of banking experience from being a bank teller to working in the collections department. Holly moved to Kentucky when her fiancé completed his tour of duty in the United States Navy and accepted a job at Electric Energy Inc. in Joppa, Illinois.

On June 17, 2006, Holly married Curt Johnson in her hometown of Vancouver. Her main enjoyment is spending time with her husband and their beagle named Paige. Holly enjoys water sports, and she is looking forward to summers in Paducah and spending time on the area lakes. Holly is actively involved in the local United Way and is presently serving as our 2008 Relay for Life Team Captain.

REAL ESTATE SUPPORT

JoAnn King
Residential Real Estate Specialist


jking@dklaw.com
JoAnn began working at the firm in 1984. She is a 1981 graduate of Metropolis High School in Metropolis, Illinois, and earned an Associate in Applied Science from Paducah Community College in 1983.   Initially starting as a Legal Secretary, JoAnn's responsibilities have specialized in the real estate industry.  Her duties involve document preparation of real estate documents for lending institutions and assisting loan officers.

JoAnn is a member and former President of the Metropolis Ladies Golf Association. She is also a soccer coach for her children's soccer teams.

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Melanie Carter
Commercial Real Estate Specialist


mcarter@dklaw.com

Melanie began working at the firm in 1998 as a real estate assistant.
Having previous experience in financing and real estate closings, she quickly moved into handling many residential and commercial loan closings. She is a 1992 honor graduate of distinction from Caldwell County High School and has been a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals since 1999 where she held the office of Corresponding Secretary for three years.

In 2006 Melanie became a local entrepreneur with the opening of her business Cropical Paradise Scrapbooking & Spa Retreat. Her love for scrapbooking and taking on the challenge of compiling the firm's scrapbook that dates back to the early 1980's gave her the desire to open a bed and breakfast uniquely designed for those avid scrapbooking women. You can learn more about her new business by visiting the website www.cropicalparadise.com.

Melanie is married to a wonderful husband, Matt, and has two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Emily.

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Michelle Garrett
Real Estate Assistant

mgarrett@dklaw.com

Prior to her employment with Denton & Keuler in 2007, Michelle has over eight years of real estate and legal experience.  She graduated from Lone Oak High School and attended accounting classes as West Kentucky Vocational and Technical School with an emphasis in Accounting. 

Michelle has two daughters, Jamie and Lakin.  In her spare time, Michelle enjoys attending her girls’ sporting events, from basketball to soccer and softball.

OFFICE SUPPORT

Roxanne Wright
Accounting Clerk


rwright@dklaw.com

Beginning her employment in 1986 as a receptionist, Roxanne offered a vivacious and eager style to the position. She now works in the accounting department and is an assistant to the Office Administrator. Her knowledge of the numerous clients of Denton & Keuler and complicated billing guidelines is invaluable. With prior experience as a billing and claims clerk in the insurance industry, it complements her role at the firm. She attended Paducah Community College and is a past member for the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

Roxanne and her husband are kept busy with travels by her daughter who is on the Marshall County All-Star Cheerleading Squad. Her involvement with her church also keeps her busy and on the move which fits her lifestyle: FAST!

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Cindi Shepherd
Accounting Clerk


cshepherd@dklaw.com
Cindi began her employment with the firm in 1993 as a receptionist.  She came to the firm with a background in retail management. Her experience in handling retail customers proved important when dealing with clients that came into and called the office.  Her outgoing personality and smiling face was, and still is, a tremendous asset to the firm.  She now works in the accounting department assisting with billing.

Cindi enjoys time off with her family and her new grandson, Garrett.

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Melissa Clark
Office Assistant


mclark@dklaw.com
 

In 2002 Melissa began her employment at Denton and Keuler part-time as an Office Assistant.  While working, Melissa attended West Kentucky Community and Technical College full-time.

Melissa is a 2002 graduate of Lone Oak High School and is 2005 graduate from West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, Kentucky with an Associates degree in Business Administration with Management Option. On June 1, Melissa became a full-time employee at Denton & Keuler.

Melissa's duties at the firm are wide and varied.  She assists in the billing department, title department, and filling vacancies as they occur.

Melissa was married to Patrick Ryan Clark on October 15, 2005. 



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Caitlin Edwards
Express Specialist


cedwards@dklaw.com

In May 2007, Caitlin joined the law firm of Denton & Keuler as a part-time employee while attending West Kentucky Community and Technical College as a full-time student.  After graduating from WKCTC, Caitlin plans to attend Murray State University where she will pursue a major in Journalistic Media Broadcasting with a minor in Fashion Advertising.

Caitlin is a member of Heartland Worship Center where she sings in the choir and teaches Sunday School for eighth grade girls.  She is a firm believer in making the best of every situation and finding joy and beauty within the smallest things.

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