Julie McDonnell joined the firm in September 2001. She is experienced in handling medical and product liability litigation involving drugs, medical devices, and other consumer products. Julie also has experience in toxic tort matters involving exposure to asbestos, welding fumes, and coal dust/silica. Julie also represents hospitals, physicians, and nursing homes in personal injury and premises liability matters. Julie has tried several cases to jury verdict and has experience handling appellate issues.
Recent Assignments
· Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a local hospital in which the patient lost a limb after undergoing surgery for a bowel obstruction
· Currently assists the firm in coordinating litigation against a major manufacturer of respiratory protection products, managing over seventy cases involving the claims of over two thousand plaintiffs
· Assisted in drafting a brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit which vacated the jury's multi-million dollar verdict and entered judgment in favor of our client
· Successfully excluded the plaintiff's sole expert witness in a complex accounting malpractice case less than a week before trial
Recent Speaking Engagements and Publications
· "Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility Malpractice Litigation," National Business Institute, Lexington, Ky., May 19, 2011 and Louisville, Ky., May 26, 2011
· "Effectively Using Medical Evidence in Court," National Business Institute, Louisville, Ky., June 18, 2009
· Co-author, "Preparation for Trial and Organization of Trial Materials," UK/CLE Kentucky Civil Practice at Trial Handbook, 3d ed. (2008)
· Co-author, Kentucky section of the Product Liability Desk Reference, 2005 and 2006
· "Nursing Home Malpractice in Kentucky: Successful Case Management from Investigation to Trial," National Business Institute, Lexington, Ky., October 8, 2004
· Co-author, "Recent Developments in Products, General Liability, and Consumer Law," Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal (Winter 2003)
More Than Stites & Harbison
Julie represents victims of domestic violence through the firm's Volunteer Lawyer Program for the Center for Women & Families. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Kentuckiana Chapter and as the Government Relations Recruitment Leader (2008-09). She also is on the planning committee and is sponsorship chair for the Young Women L.E.A.D. Conference 2011.
Besides Stites & Harbison
Julie is an avid sports fan. She enjoys University of Louisville athletics and NFL football.
Memberships
American Bar Association
Kentucky Bar Association
Louisville Bar Association
Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
Women Lawyer's Association of Jefferson County
Community Involvement
Center for Women & Families, volunteer attorney
Young Women L.E.A.D. Conference 2011, planning committee and sponsorship chair
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Kentuckiana Chapter, Board of Directors - Government Relations Recruitment Leader, 2008-09
Louisville Bar Association Leadership Academy 2007
Industry Experience
Pharmaceutical / Medical Devices
Transportation, Highways & Bridges
Health Care
Consumer Products / Food / Beverage
Automotive & Manufacturing Facilities
Restaurants / Food Services
Retail/Distribution
Wholesalers / Distributors
News
Stites & Harbison names eight new members and one new counsel
Events
Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility Malpractice Litigation - Louisville, Ky.
Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility Malpractice Litigation - Lexington, Ky.