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"Construction Coverage for Owners and Contractors," CBA CLE (February 2021)
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“Neighbor and Tree Law,” Spring Meeting of the Connecticut Tree Protective Association (March 2016)
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"Managing Risk for Connecticut Construction Companies in re: Capstone Bldng Corp. v. American Motorists Ins. Co., SC 18886, 2013 Conn. LEXIS 187 (2013)," CBA Construction Section Meeting (October 2013)
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"Insuring Construction Risks – Hot Topics Related to Construction Defect Claims," CBA Annual Meeting (June 2012)
Michael J. Donnelly is a partner in the Litigation, Construction and Environmental practices at Murtha Cullina.
Michael represents both public and private parties in connection with drafting of contracts, bid issues and dispute resolution in a wide variety of construction matters. He has assisted a successful bidder in defending a challenge to a public bid for the purchase of municipal property, ultimately obtaining a written apology as well as a six-figure settlement for a vexatious litigation claim arising from the challenge. Michael has represented owners in connection with the construction of power plants, and contractors in international arbitration over the development of a solar facility. He has tried jury and courtside cases, as well as handled appeals, arbitration and mediation. Notably, he successfully defended a $3,000,000 mechanics’ lien case in Federal Court. In addition to obtaining a defense judgment on the claim, he also obtained a decision in the client’s favor for more than $1,000,000 on a counterclaim.
In addition to construction work, Michael also represents both for profit and nonprofit entities in litigation. He has also represented clients with respect to information security issues, including defense of a class action under the TCPA.
Speaking Engagements
Recognitions
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Holds an AV Preeminent® Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™
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Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in the areas of Litigation - Construction (2014-2025), Commercial Litigation (2024-2025) and Construction Law (2025)
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Listed in Connecticut Super Lawyers® in the area of Construction Litigation (2015-2023)
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Supplier/Service Provider of the Year, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Connecticut (2011)
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Award for Excellence in the Study of Land Use and Local Development, American Bar Association
Memberships
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Connecticut Bar Association, Construction Law Section Chair
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Association of General Contractors, Connecticut Chapter
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Connecticut Construction Industry Association
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Lex Mundi Construction and Infrastructure Practice Group, Chair (2010-2012)
Community Activities
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Connecticut Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Past Board Member