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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.  

  • "Construction Coverage for Owners and Contractors," CBA CLE (February 2021)

  • "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)

  • "Insuring Construction Risks – Hot Topics Related to Construction Defect Claims," CBA Annual Meeting (June 2012)

  • Connecticut Bar Association, Construction Law Section Chair

  • Association of General Contractors, Connecticut Chapter

  • Connecticut Construction Industry Association

  • Lex Mundi Construction and Infrastructure Practice Group, Chair (2010-2012)

  • Connecticut Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Past Board Member

Areas of Focus