Michael R. McDonner


Mike McDonner is an experienced trial attorney who has represented a wide range of clients in civil litigation throughout Kentucky and Tennessee.  His practice is currently focused on defending claims brought against physicians, nurses and correctional care providers.  Mike has extensive experience in both state and federal courts and has successfully argued before the Court of Appeals in both Tennessee and Kentucky.  In addition to defending professional negligence claims, Mike has significant experience in products liability, personal injury and dram shop liability matters.  He was the Lincoln-Douglas Debate National Champion in 1998 and 1999, becoming the first person to ever win consecutive national debate championships.

Significant Representation

• Either individually or as part of a team, Mike has successfully defended numerous physicians and medical providers from a variety of malpractice claims.  The vast majority of these claims have alleged catastrophic injuries, total vocational disability and/or death.

• Successfully defended numerous correctional care providers against claims of cruel and unusual punishment that were brought by prisoners pursuant to the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.

• Practice is dedicated exclusively to civil litigation.

Educational Background
J.D. University of Kentucky 2003
B.A. Western Kentucky University 2000

Court Admissions
The Supreme Court of Kentucky
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
United States District Court for Western District of Kentucky
United States District Court for Eastern District of Kentucky
The Supreme Court of Tennessee

United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Professional Memberships
Defense Research Institute

Kentucky Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association
Louisville Bar Association