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Michael D. "Mike" Risley, Appellate Attorney in Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, KY

Trusted appellate attorney serving Louisville.

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Quick answer

Michael D. "Mike" Risley is an attorney based in Louisville, KENTUCKY. The practice focuses on Appellate.

Based in
Louisville, KENTUCKY
Experience
attorney
Known for
Appellate
  • Handles Appellate matters from Louisville, KENTUCKY.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Louisville) (2022).

About Michael D. "Mike" Risley: Michael D. "Mike" Risley is an attorney based in Louisville, KENTUCKY. The practice focuses on Appellate.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael D. "Mike" Risley

Michael concentrates on appellate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Louisville, Kentucky

Michael takes appellate matters in Louisville, Kentucky. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael D. "Mike" Risley — Attorney of Kentucky appellate experience

Michael D. "Mike" Risley is an attorney based in Louisville, KENTUCKY. The practice focuses on Appellate.

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.

How Michael handles appellate matters

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…

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate matters in Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky area.

Credentials

Michael D. "Mike" Risley's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Kentucky

    J.D. · 1983

  • Murray State University

    BS · 1977

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • Kentucky, Kentucky B

    ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Kentucky and BS in Murray State University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Kentucky and BS in Murray State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Kentucky is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael D. "Mike" Risley

Michael has received 9 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Louisville)

    2022

  • Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Louisville)

    2017

  • Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Kentucky Super Lawyers (2013-present)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Louisville Magazine Top Lawyers (2013-16)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Finance Monthly

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — , Fintech Awards Insurance & Reinsurance Lawyer of the Year (2019)

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Louisville) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Louisville) (2017). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Kentucky Super Lawyers (2013-present) (2026).

Locations

Michael D. "Mike" Risley's office in Louisville

Michael's primary office is at 400 West Market Street, Suite 1800, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202-3352. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

400 West Market Street, Suite 1800

Louisville, Kentucky 40202-3352

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael D. "Mike" Risley

Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael D. "Mike" Risley — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Louisville, Kentucky

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael D. "Mike" Risley

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in Kentucky typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Louisville?

    Michael is licensed in Kentucky. Matters governed by Kentucky law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Louisville, Lexington and Frankfort in Kentucky

Michael handles appellate matters throughout Kentucky. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Louisville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.