About Philip Coleman
Philip Coleman Lawson built a foundation in the liberal arts before turning to law. He earned a B.A. in History from Centre College and went on to receive his J.D. from the University of Louisville. That academic path exposed him to both historical context and legal doctrine, shaping how he approaches disputes and filings.
His early legal work began in the courts. Lawson served as a law clerk for the Kentucky Court of Appeals in 2009, and the following year he clerked at Landrum Shouse, LLP. Those positions put him inside appellate chambers and taught him how record, briefing and procedure shape outcomes.
In 2011 he moved into trial work as a trial lawyer with the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy. That role kept him in courtroom settings and required day-to-day management of cases. In 2013 he joined McBrayer, PLLC as an associate, shifting back into private practice. He became a partner at True Guarnieri Ayer LLP in 2017, a move that expanded his responsibilities in litigation and case management.
Lawson is admitted to practice in Kentucky and in several federal forums. His admissions include the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky and the Sixth Circuit. That combination of state and federal authorizations supports work that crosses trial and appellate lines.
Colleagues describe his work as methodical. He balances courtroom experience from his trial years with the procedural perspective gained during appellate clerkships. That mix informs how he prepares evidence, structures arguments and addresses preservation of issues for appeal. He handles motion practice and bench and jury trials, and he is comfortable briefing and arguing in appellate settings.
Outside the courtroom, Lawson's career shows steady progression through public defense, associate roles and partnership. He has worked in both government and private-sector environments, which has broadened his exposure to different client needs and litigation strategies. He maintains professional memberships begun early in his career.
He practices at True Guarnieri Ayer, LLP, where he represents clients in trial and appellate matters in Kentucky and in the federal courts noted above. His current practice centers on litigation across state and federal venues.
