Member

Robert M. Connolly

Bob Connolly is based in the Louisville office where he previously served as Chair of the firm. He currently serves as General Counsel to the firm. He has been with the firm since 1980 and is a member of the firm's Business Litigation Section and the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group.

Bob has tried more than 80 cases to jury verdicts in several states. He has also argued before every appellate court in the federal and state courts of Kentucky. His practice includes defending complex product liability claims and construction and commercial disputes. He has also had experience in administrative, OSHA, insurance, and admiralty claims.

Bob also served as a Special Justice on the Kentucky Supreme Court, Greene, et. al. v. Commonwealth of Kentucky, Administrative Office of the Courts, et. al., 349 S.W.3d 892 (KY September 22, 2011).

Recent News, Articles & Speaking Engagements

Legal Maneuvering: How the pandemic has forced Louisville law firms to rethink the workplace

Stites leader Robert Connolly on how his office manages the state of downtown

Legal Services: Tech Proves Its Case

by Mark Green, The Lane Report, September 18, 2020

Ky. Law Firm Leaders' Verdict for 2020: More Growth

The Lane Report, February 3, 2020

Bob Connolly finds that being in a courtroom is a "real rush" when things go well

Recent Assignments
Bar Admissions
Admitted Pro Hac Vice in Several Jurisdictions
Kentucky
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
Firm Leadership

Office of General Counsel, General Counsel (2021-present)

Chair (2015-21)

Management Committee (1995-2007)

Memberships
ABA Committee on Products Liability Litigation, Subcommittee on Discovery
American Bar Association, Fellow
American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow and Chair, Kentucky State Committee
Defense Research Institute
Kentucky Bar Association
Kentucky Defense Counsel, Former Board Member
Litigation Counsel of America, Order of Justitia
Louisville Bar Association, Member and past member of the board of directors
Louisville Bar Foundation, Inc., Fellow and past president
Maritime Law Association of the United States
Trial Law Institute
Diversity Law Institute
Community Involvement

Kentucky Legal Education Opportunity (KLEO) Program, Founding Member

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Kentucky Chapter, Board of Trustees (2020-present)

Downtown Louisville Rotary Club, Member

Jefferson Street Baptist Church, Past President

Education
More Than Stites & Harbison

Mr. Connolly is involved in a number of civic and charitable activities. He is past President of the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Street Baptist Church, a local homeless shelter dedicated to mentally ill and chemically dependent individuals. He is the past President of the Louisville Bar Foundation and a member of Downtown Louisville Rotary Club. Mr. Connolly is a past member of the Dartmouth Alumni Council. Mr. Connolly also enjoys skiing, backpacking and scuba diving.

Accolades

Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Preeminent® Peer Review Rated

Chambers USA, "America's Leading Lawyers for Business," Litigation: General Commercial and Litigation: Tort & Insurance Defense (2004-23)

Best Lawyers in America®, Bet-the-Company Litigation and Commercial Litigation (2006-24)

Best Lawyers in America®, Louisville Area Lawyer of the Year in Bet-the-Company Litigation (2021)

Kentucky Super Lawyers® (2007-24)

Kentucky Super Lawyers®, Top 50 Attorneys in the State (2011-15, 2017, 2022, 2024)

Litigation Counsel of America, Senior Fellow

Testimonials

. . . is noted for his excellent ability as a trial lawyer. He offers significant expertise in tort disputes as part of a broad commercial litigation practice.

- Chambers Commentary (USA)

He's had a 30- or 40- year career as a litigator and has a lot of knowledge and expertise at this point.

- Client Comment, Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyers

He's a very experienced lawyer that we've worked with over the years and we've been very satisfied with the results and with the ease of working with him. I get along with him on a personal basis.

- Client Comment, Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyers

. . . results oriented business litigator who is strategic, knowledgeable and gives great advice . . . highlighted for his strengths in construction and product liability disputes and also noted for wide-ranging experience in appellate proceedings.

- Chambers Commentary (USA)

. . . an excellent and experienced trial lawyer.

- Chambers USA

. . . highly recommended by clients.

- Chambers USA
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Events

Forever Chemicals: What Does Your Business Need to Know and Do?

Date: 10/8/24 - 11/13/24
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

WEBINAR

Forever Chemicals: What does your company need to know and do. Join us for this four-part complimentary webinar that is designed for decisions makers who do not have degrees in chemistry or environmental science - but need practical, actionable advice.

Jennifer J. Cave , John L. Tate , Robert M. Connolly , Whitney Frazier Watt , Neil E. Barton , and Charles H. Stopher October 03, 2024
Press Releases

Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2025 Best Lawyers® Publications

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 97 of its lawyers are included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence according to the publication. Additionally, 12 Stites & Harbison attorneys are named as “Lawyer of the Year” and 30 attorneys are recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, which recognizes attorneys early in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.

by Stites & Harbison, PLLC August 16, 2024
Press Releases

Chambers USA Honors 25 Stites & Harbison Attorneys for 2024

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Chambers USA selected 25 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys in Kentucky and Tennessee for inclusion in their 2024 guide. The Chambers USA guide ranks the top law firms and leading attorneys in the United States.

by Stites & Harbison, PLLC June 07, 2024
Press Releases

Kentucky Super Lawyers® Honors 49 Stites & Harbison Attorneys for 2024

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The 2024 edition of Kentucky Super Lawyers® recently honored 49 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys in the Covington, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville, Ky., offices. The publication named 35 attorneys to the Super Lawyers® list and 14 attorneys to the Rising Stars® list.

by Stites & Harbison, PLLC January 12, 2024
Press Releases

Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2024 Best Lawyers® Publications

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 101 of its lawyers are included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

by Stites & Harbison, PLLC August 24, 2023
Press Releases

Chambers USA Honors 25 Stites & Harbison Attorneys for 2023

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Chambers USA selected 25 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys in Kentucky and Tennessee for inclusion in their 2023 guide.

by Stites & Harbison, PLLC June 05, 2023
Press Releases

Kentucky Super Lawyers Honors 49 Stites & Harbison Attorneys for 2023

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The 2023 edition of Kentucky Super Lawyers recently honored 49 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys in the Covington, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville, Ky., offices. The publication named 37 attorneys to the Super Lawyers list and 12 attorneys to the Rising Stars list.

by Stites & Harbison, PLLC January 12, 2023
Press Releases

Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2023 Best Lawyers® Publications

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 98 of its lawyers are included in the 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Additionally, 11 Stites & Harbison attorneys are named as “Lawyer of the Year” and 19 attorneys are recognized in “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” which recognizes attorneys early in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.

by Stites & Harbison, PLLC August 18, 2022