Related Information
Education
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Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville
J.D., cum laude, 2001
Brandeis Law Journal, Managing Editor and Member; Author, Sutton v. United Air Lines: Unfairly Narrowing the Scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Brandeis Law Journal, Volume 39; Health Law Moot Court Team Member; Highest Grade Award in Torts I and Basic Income Taxation; Joseph L. Lenihan Memorial Scholarship; Dean's List
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Transylvania University
B.A., magna cum laude, 1998
Mathematics with minor in Philosophy
Dean's Recognition Scholarship; Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Vice-President of Academics, Philanthropy Chair; Order of Omega Greek Leadership Honorary
Admissions
Kentucky
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
Service Areas
- Appellate Advocacy
- Civil Litigation
- Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Device Liability Defense
- Product Liability
- Professional Liability (Non-Medical Professionals)
- Torts & Insurance Practice
- Toxic Tort & Environmental Defense
- Multi-State, Multi-District and Serial Litigation
Industry Experience
- Pharmaceutical / Medical Devices
- Transportation, Highways & Bridges
- Health Care
- Consumer Products / Food / Beverage
- Automotive & Manufacturing Facilities
- Restaurants / Food Services
- Retail
- Wholesalers / Distributors
Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Kentucky Bar Association
- Louisville Bar Association
- Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court
- Defense Research Institute (DRI)
- Women Lawyer's Association of Jefferson County
Community Involvement
Julie McDonnell joined the firm in September 2001. She is experienced in handling medical and product liability litigation involving drugs, medical devices, and other consumer products. Julie also has experience in toxic tort matters involving exposure to asbestos, welding fumes, and coal dust/silica. Julie also represents hospitals, physicians, and nursing homes in personal injury and premises liability matters. Julie has tried several cases to jury verdict and has experience handling appellate issues.
Recent Assignments
- Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a local hospital in which the patient lost a limb after undergoing surgery for a bowel obstruction
- Currently assists the firm in coordinating litigation against a major manufacturer of respiratory protection products, managing over seventy cases involving the claims of over two thousand plaintiffs
- Assisted in drafting a brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit which vacated the jury's multi-million dollar verdict and entered judgment in favor of our client
- Successfully excluded the plaintiff's sole expert witness in a complex accounting malpractice case less than a week before trial
Recent Speaking Engagements and Publications
- "Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility Malpractice Litigation," National Business Institute, Lexington, Ky., May 19, 2011 and Louisville, Ky., May 26, 2011
- "Effectively Using Medical Evidence in Court," National Business Institute, Louisville, Ky., June 18, 2009
- Co-author, "Preparation for Trial and Organization of Trial Materials," UK/CLE Kentucky Civil Practice at Trial Handbook, 3d ed. (2008)
- Co-author, Kentucky section of the Product Liability Desk Reference, 2005 and 2006
- "Nursing Home Malpractice in Kentucky: Successful Case Management from Investigation to Trial," National Business Institute, Lexington, Ky., October 8, 2004
- Co-author, "Recent Developments in Products, General Liability, and Consumer Law," Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal (Winter 2003)
More Than Stites & Harbison
Julie represents victims of domestic violence through the firm's Volunteer Lawyer Program for the Center for Women & Families. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Kentuckiana Chapter and as the Government Relations Recruitment Leader (2008-09). She also is on the planning committee and is sponsorship chair for the Young Women L.E.A.D. Conference 2011.
Besides Stites & Harbison
Julie is an avid sports fan. She enjoys University of Louisville athletics and NFL football.