Joe Rugg was born in Chicago and grew up in Tampa and Orlando before settling in Lexington in 1987. After graduating from Henry Clay High School in 1992, Mr. Rugg pursued his undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After obtaining a B.A. in History from MU, he then moved back to Lexington and attended Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. After graduating in 1999, Mr. Rugg was admitted to practice law in Kentucky and has spent his entire career in Lexington.
Mr. Rugg began his Kentucky practice as a staff attorney for the Honorable John Adams in the 4th division of Fayette Circuit Court. As a staff attorney, Mr. Rugg wrote opinions and jury instructions for the Court. In 2001, he joined the staff of the Fayette County Attorney’s office as an Assistant County Attorney. Mr. Rugg was a prosecutor for Fayette County trying numerous cases in Fayette District Court. In 2007, Mr. Rugg opened his own firm and continued his trial practice both defending clients in criminal court, and recovering damages for plaintiffs in circuit court. In 2014, Mr. Rugg joined the Lexington office of Morgan & Morgan. At Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Rugg’s practice focuses on auto accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death.
During his career, Mr. Rugg has tried numerous cases to a jury throughout Kentucky. In addition to his trial practice, Mr. Rugg has practiced before the Court of Appeals of Kentucky and the Federal 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. He is admitted to practice in all state courts of Kentucky, the Eastern District of Kentucky, and the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Mr. Rugg is married to Dr. Sarah Sartini Rugg and has two children, Katherine and Madeline.
Recent Wins
Combs, Mary vs. Kroger & Buffalo Construction
$169,357
Personal Injury
2022
Banks, Patricia vs. Steven Barnes
$18,000
Car Accident
2022
