Atty. Michael J. Donnelly

Atty. Michael J. Donnelly

Based in Hartford, Connecticut, Michael Donnelly is dedicated to supporting both public and private entities in Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation - Construction, proudly working with Harris Beach Murtha. Michael is involved in the drafting of contracts, addressing bid issues, and facilitating dispute resolution in diverse construction matters.

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Profile Summary

About Michael J. Donnelly at a glance

Michael J. Donnelly is a business, construction, and litigation attorney based in Hartford, Connecticut, practicing at Harris Beach Murtha. Educated at University of Connecticut (J.D., 1990). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Serands clients in Hartford, CT and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Based in Hartford, Connecticut, Michael Donnelly is dedicated to supporting both public and private entities in Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation - Construction, proudly working with Harris Beach Murtha
  • Michael is involved in the drafting of contracts, addressing bid issues, and facilitating dispute resolution in diverse construction matters
  • A highlight of his career includes aiding a successful bidder in defending a public bid challenge, which resulted in a six-figure settlement for vexatious litigation and a written apology
  • He has substantial involvement in the construction industry, representing owners in power plant construction and contractors in international arbitration for solar facility development
  • With experience in jury trials, courtside cases, and appeals, Michael defended a mechanics' lien case in Federal Court, obtaining more than $1 million as a counterclaim judgment alongside a defense judgment
  • Beyond construction matters, Michael assists both profit-oriented and nonprofit entities in litigation and advises on information security issues
  • His work includes class action defense under the TCPA and various other legal challenges

Practice Areas Explained

Michael J. Donnelly's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Donnelly handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Michael J. Donnelly is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Connecticut →

Construction Law

Michael J. Donnelly is one of 40,689 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in Connecticut →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Michael J. Donnelly is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Connecticut →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Connecticut

Practicing law in Connecticut. Legal matters in Connecticut are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Hartford are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Connecticut state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Connecticut brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Connecticut courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Connecticut attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Hartford or all attorneys in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael J. Donnelly

Where is Michael J. Donnelly's law office located?
Michael J. Donnelly's law practice is located in Hartford, Connecticut. The firm is Harris Beach Murtha. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael J. Donnelly handle?
Michael J. Donnelly focuses on business, construction, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Connecticut.
Where did Michael J. Donnelly go to law school?
Michael J. Donnelly earned their education at (J.D., 1990).
How can I contact Michael J. Donnelly for a consultation?
You can contact Michael J. Donnelly directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael J. Donnelly received?
Michael J. Donnelly's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction.

Education

J.D.
University of Connecticut
- 1990

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
- 2026

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