Atty. Michael D. "Mike" Risley
Mike Risley is Co-Chair of the firm’s Appellate Advocacy Group and former Chair of the Louisville office’s Litigation Service Group. A seasoned litigator, Mike frequently appears before both state and federal appellate courts.
Profile Summary
About Michael D. "Mike" Risley at a glance
Michael D. "Mike" Risley is a appellate attorney based in Louisville, Kentucky, practicing at Stites & Harbison PLLC. Admitted to practice in Kentucky, Kentucky Bar Association. Educated at University of Kentucky (J.D., 1983) and Murray State University (BS, 1977). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated (2026). Serves clients in Louisville, KY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
- Mike Risley is Co-Chair of the firm’s Appellate Advocacy Group and former Chair of the Louisville office’s Litigation Service Group
- A seasoned litigator, Mike frequently appears before both state and federal appellate courts
- He also has deep experience in disputes involving insurance bad faith and coverage, ERISA, and commercial and employment-related matters
- Mike currently is serving the firm as Louisville Office Executive Member and is a former member of the firm’s Management Committee
- More Than Stites & Harbison Mike serves as General Counsel to the Better Business Bureau of Greater Louisville
- He is a Church Attorney for the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky, teacher at St. Matthews Episcopal Church and a former long-time member of the Board of Trustees of St. Francis School, an independent school located in Louisville
Practice Areas Explained
Michael D. "Mike" Risley's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael D. "Mike" Risley handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
Michael D. "Mike" Risley is one of 77,587 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Kentucky →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Kentucky
Practicing law in Kentucky. Legal matters in Kentucky are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Louisville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Kentucky state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Kentucky brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Kentucky courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Kentucky attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Louisville or all attorneys in Kentucky.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Michael D. "Mike" Risley
Where is Michael D. "Mike" Risley's law office located?
What practice areas does Michael D. "Mike" Risley handle?
Where did Michael D. "Mike" Risley go to law school?
How can I contact Michael D. "Mike" Risley for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Michael D. "Mike" Risley received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.