Michael Denbow

United States v. Dino Gaudio. In a nationally publicized case, former University of Louisville basketball coach and former ESPN analyst Dino Gaudio was charged with extortion in connection with a surreptitiously taped conversation Coach Gaudio had with University of Louisville Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Mack. Upon reviewing our case submissions, particularly relating to Coach Gaudio’s outstanding character, the presiding United States District Judge not only gave Coach Gaudio the minimum sentence permitted by law but went so far as to question the United States’ decision to prosecute the case despite the United States Sentencing Guidelines recommending two (2) years of incarceration.

Defended NBA player in arbitration before the National Basketball Players Association (“NBPA”) over agent fee dispute

Obtained a non-prosecution agreement on behalf of a client involved in the Project Varsity Blues college admission scandal

Defended client in insider trading investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that resulted in no charges or claims being made against the client

Successfully challenged an initial determination of ineligibility by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (“KHSAA”) for a high school baseball player and ensured eligibility for his junior year of high school

Defended client in homicide investigation involving a dispute with an Uber driver that resulted in no charges being brought against the client

Negotiated consulting deal on behalf of client with NFL team

Assisted client with negotiation and activation of augmented reality application at the 2019 College Football National Championship Game

Negotiated several contracts on behalf of singer/songwriter from Nashville

Successfully obtained a Temporary Restraining Order (“TRO”) against a Kentucky business for accessing the confidential commission data of our client

Obtained a non-prosecution agreement for individual client in an oil and gas fraud matter out of the Southern District of Georgia

Represented a large corporate client in a federal antitrust investigation from the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice

Negotiated an athletic shoe and apparel contract on behalf of NBA player

Represented a large corporate client in response to multiple federal grand jury subpoenas in a large money laundering investigation in the Eastern District of Kentucky

Obtained a directed verdict in a DUI trial in Kentucky state court

Successfully obtained a temporary restraining order against the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (“KHSAA”), allowing a previously declared ineligible student athlete to compete during his senior basketball season

Represented minority contracting company in federal false claims criminal investigation

Represented casino consulting firm in federal grand jury investigation and before NIGC

Represented Kentucky Commonwealth Attorney sued for malicious prosecution

Represented a national client in an SEC insider trading investigation.

Represented state’s largest hospital system in false claims act litigation

Represented numerous doctors in criminal investigations and in front of professional license boards

Represented Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in false claims act litigation

Represented large road contractor in Department of Justice antitrust litigation

Defended litigation against a nationwide insurance company in a class action lawsuit

Represented out-of-state law firm sued for malpractice over the creation of a trust

Business Litigation Service Group, Co-Chair (2024-present)

White Collar Practice Group, Firm Chair (2023-present)

Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, Member (2021)

St. Agnes Catholic Church, Member

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Board Member

Kentucky Super Lawyers^®, Rising Star (2013-21)

Kentucky Super Lawyers^® (2025)

Louisville Magazine Top Lawyers (2016)