LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC announced that Robert (Bob) Connolly has been elected as the firm’s new Chair effective January 2015. Connolly will succeed Ken Sagan, who will have served as the firm’s Chair-Elect and Chair for four-and-a-half years. Sagan, based in the firm’s Lexington office, will return to practicing law full-time, helping clients with sophisticated business transactions. Sagan will also continue his community involvement through Commerce Lexington and other organizations.

“I’ve enjoyed serving the firm as Chair and I’m looking forward to working with clients full-time again,” said Sagan. “Bob has the right skills to lead our firm and I’m confident we’ll enjoy continued success under his leadership,” Sagan continued.

Bob Connolly, an award-winning trial attorney, is a member of the firm’s Torts & Insurance Practice and Business Litigation Service Groups. Having tried over 80 jury trials, his practice includes defending complex product liability claims and construction and commercial disputes. A magna cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College, Connolly was recruited out of Washington & Lee University School of Law by Stites & Harbison in 1980. He has spent his entire legal career with the firm based in the Louisville office.

“Ken did a wonderful job leading the firm,” said Connolly. “Stites & Harbison is a truly great firm, and it is my privilege and honor to serve as the next Chair.”

Connolly was recently elected a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, limited to 1% of the trial bar in North America. He also is involved in the Litigation Counsel of America (Fellow), American Bar Association (Fellow), and Defense Research Institute (member). Connolly served on the firm’s Management Committee (1995-2007).

Examples of some of Connolly’s awards and honors include Chambers USA “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (2004-14), Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory (AV® Preeminent™ rated), Best Lawyers in America® (Bet-the-Company Litigation and Commercial Litigation, 2006-15), and Kentucky Super Lawyers® (2007-14; Top 50 Attorneys in the State, 2012-14).

Connolly is involved in a number of civic and charitable activities. He is a past president of the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Street Baptist Center, a local homeless shelter. He is a Fellow and former president of the Louisville Bar Foundation and a member of Downtown Louisville Rotary Club.