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.
Appellate Practice Attorney · Serving Louisville, KY
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.
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About 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
- 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 Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael D. "Mike" Risley handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Louisville.
Appellate Practice in Louisville
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
Michael D. "Mike" Risley is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Kentucky →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Louisville
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.
Louisville Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Louisville-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Kentucky attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Louisville or all attorneys in Kentucky.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Louisville Choose Michael D. "Mike" Risley
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael D. "Mike" Risley's practice in the field of appellate.
Focused Appellate Practice
Concentrating on appellate means Michael D. "Mike" Risley's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Louisville
A Louisville-based practice means Michael D. "Mike" Risley attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Michael D. "Mike" Risley's Practice Areas & Specializations
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