Karen Staib practices in the areas of complex business and commercial litigation, particularly in franchise and petroleum marketing matters, including representing major refiners and wholesalers in all aspects of petroleum marketing-related counseling and litigation, particularly dealer terminations under the PMPA and complex multi-dealer litigation involving claims related to pricing, rent, assignment and other franchise-related issues. Karen regularly represents clients in state and federal courts, both at the trial and appellate levels. Prior to joining the firm, Karen was a law clerk to the Honorable Flemming L. Norcott, Jr., of the Connecticut Supreme Court.
Karen currently serves as Chair of the firm's Hiring Committee.
Distinctions
· AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
· American Bar Foundation, Fellow
· Connecticut Bar Foundation, James W. Cooper Fellow
· 40 Under Forty, Hartford Business Journal (2011)
· Judge Maxwell Heiman Memorial Award, Hartford County Bar Association (2006)
· New Leaders of the Law, Connecticut Law Tribune (2005)
· Editor in Chief, Connecticut Insurance Law Journal (1997-1998)
Teaching Positions
· University of Connecticut School of Law: Adjunct Instructor, Moot Court (2003, 2004)
Professional Affiliations
· Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Court: President (2011-2012); Member (2003-Present)
· American Bar Association: Forum on Franchising; Petroleum Marketing Committee of the Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER), Newsletter Vice-Chair
· Connecticut Bar Association: Federal Practice Section
· Hartford County Bar Association: Board of Directors (2009-2012)
Community Involvement
· Miss Porter's School: Member, Board of Trustees (2011-present)
· University of Connecticut Law School Alumni Association: Member, Board of Directors (1999-2011); President (2005-2006)
· Alumnae Association of Miss Porter's School, Inc.: Member, Board of Directors (2003-2009); Co-President (2007-2009)
· Leadership Greater Hartford: Quest Class (2009)
· Association of Alumni of Dartmouth College: Member, Dartmouth Club of Hartford Experience
Experience
Trademarks
Federal Certification Mark Prosecutions Against Counterfeiting Doctors
Other
Obtained Injunction to Require Franchise to Vacate Premises
Defended Challenges to Terms in Franchisor's Renewal Agreements Brought by 40 Francisees
Obtained Summary Judgment For Franchisor in Massachusetts State Court
Twenty-four State Analysis of Franchise and Distribution Laws
Successful Pre-trial Win On Franchise and Robinson-Patman Act Claims Brought By 32 Franchisees
Non-Competition and Trade Secret Litigation
State and Federal Appeals
9-0 U.S. Supreme Court Victory on Constructive Nonrenewal and Termination Claims in a PMPA Franchise Case
Obtained Favorable Injunction in New Jersey Federal Court on Behalf of Franchisor
Private Placement Decision Upheld on Two Appeals
Publications
April 2011, Recent Court Decisions Relating To Dealer "Unfairness" Claims, and Claims of Fraud by Franchisor in Connection with the Franchisee's Sale of its Franchise and EPA Reminder Concerning E15 Gasoline
March 2011, Recent Federal Court Decisions Relating To Price Gouging, Trial Franchises, and Contractual Limitation Periods
October 2010, First Circuit Appears To Affirm Principle That Terminations Based on PMPA §2802(c) Are Per Se Reasonable
September 2010, Two Recent Federal Court Decisions Dismiss Dealers' Claims of PMPA Constructive Termination and Constructive Nonrenewal
February 23, 2010, Required Reading - Federal Court Clarifies Discovery Obligations for Pre-dispute and Litigation Matters
News
July 25, 2011, Karen Staib Named to 40 Under Forty List
April 2011, 35 Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named a "Top Lawyer" in Hartford County
January 1, 2008, Shipman & Goodwin Announces Three New Partners
May 8, 2006, Shipman & Goodwin Attorney Receives Judge Maxwell Heiman Memorial Award
Events
March 31-April 1, 2008, Petroleum Marketing Attorneys Annual Meeting
April 16-17, 2007, Petroleum Marketing Attorneys Annual Meeting - Presenter