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.
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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Schedule your consultationHiring 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
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Kentucky
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.





