Laura Jane McIlvoy
Laura Jane McIlvoy (formerly Laura Jane Phelps) is an Associate Attorney at Bubalo Law PLC, bringing both skill and compassion to her work in the firm's Lexington office. Originally from Versailles, Kentucky, Laura Jane is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned her undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky School of Law.
Her legal career has centered on complex litigation in areas such as nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, automobile negligence, products liability, and high-stakes civil cases. With seven years of dedicated practice, Laura Jane has built a reputation as an empathetic advocate, committed to guiding clients through their most challenging legal battles with respect and understanding.
Before joining Bubalo Law, Laura Jane practiced at two prominent Kentucky firms, handling complex litigation involving wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, civil rights, personal injury, and real estate disputes. Her litigation experience includes successfully arguing a federal civil rights case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and securing a published decision which strengthened protections for plaintiffs pursuing First Amendment retaliation claims against government officials. She prevailed at trial in a timber trespass and wrongful logging case in Lawrence County, obtaining a judgment confirming her clients' ownership of the property and awarding damages under Kentucky's wrongful logging statute. After the trial court later vacated the award on post-judgment motion, she successfully litigated the appeal, and the Kentucky Court of Appeals reversed and reinstated the judgment in her clients' favor. She has also led and assisted in other trials to successful outcomes.
Laura Jane approaches each client with compassion, recognizing the emotional toll that legal issues can bring. She prioritizes open communication and creates a supportive environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences. This empathetic approach sets her apart, providing clients with both exceptional legal representation and a sense of security and understanding.
Beyond her practice, Laura Jane is active in the Kentucky Bar Association and holds licenses to practice in the U.S. District Court for both Eastern and Western Kentucky, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In her personal life, Laura Jane enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends, and is a devoted pet parent to her Dalmatian and two cats. She values community involvement and appreciates the balance that her personal interests bring to her demanding legal career.
Education
Associations & Memberships
- Kentucky Bar Association
- Kentucky Justice Association
- American Justice Association
- Kentucky Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
Reported Cases
- Lemaster v. Lawrence Cty., 65 F.4th 302 (6th Cir. 2023)
Cases Not in Official Reporters
- Moorhead v. Richards, 2025 LX 419247 (Ky. App. 2025)