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Biography

Theresa is a first-chair litigator and experienced litigation leader who represents clients in complex business disputes across the manufacturing, energy, utilities and financial services industries. A former chair of the firm’s litigation department for more than eight years and former leader of the business litigation practice group, she brings a broad, strategic perspective to high-stakes matters involving contract disputes, class actions, business torts, environmental claims, securities matters, construction disputes, regulatory actions, unfair competition and trade secret litigation. Her clients include Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 corporations, closely held companies, emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.

With an ability to translate complex facts and legal issues into clear trial strategies, Theresa has tried business disputes in federal and state courts and arbitration venues throughout the country. Over the course of her career, she has tried more than 15 cases in court or arbitration, many involving weeks of testimony and extensive records.

Theresa also advises and defends individuals and companies facing criminal and civil investigations, subpoenas and regulatory scrutiny, including matters involving health care fraud, antitrust issues and state Attorney General investigations and proceedings. Clients turn to her for practical judgment, steady advocacy and a litigation approach focused on protecting business interests while positioning matters for resolution or trial.

Other Info About Theresa

Work History

Prior Work Experience

Prior to joining the firm she worked as an associate with Mayer, Brown & Platt in Chicago, Illinois (1995-2000).

Immediately before working for Mayer, Brown & Platt, Theresa clerked for Judge Eugene Siler, Jr. of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (1994-1995).

Education

Law School

University of Kentucky College of Law, J.D., 1994, high distinction, Order of the Coif

Undergraduate School

Bellarmine University B.A., 1991, magna cum laude

Clerkships

Theresa served as a clerk for the court(s) and judge(s) below:

Law Clerk, Judge Eugene Siler, Jr., Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1994-95

Bar Memberships

Theresa is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Illinois, 1994 (Inactive)

Kentucky, 2001

Courts

Theresa is admitted to practice before the following court(s):

Supreme Court of Kentucky, 2000

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, 2000

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, 2005

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, 2004

Supreme Court of Illinois, 1994

Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1995

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1995

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, 1996

Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2007

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

Award Selection Methodology

Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial, 2017-2026

Benchmark Litigation®, Litigation Star: Appellate, Product Liability/Recall, and Commercial, Kentucky 2026

Benchmark Litigation®, listed among the “Benchmark Litigation Stars” for Kentucky, 2022-2025

Benchmark Litigation®, Top 250 Women in Litigation 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013

Benchmark Litigation®, listed among the “Local Litigation Stars” for Kentucky, 2011-2012

The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, 2013-2026

Louisville Magazine: “Powerful People”

Selected to Kentucky Super Lawyers, 2007-2026

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Bar Association

Kentucky Bar Association

Louisville Bar Association

Chicago Bar Association

Brandeis Inn of Court

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

Bellarmine University Board of Trustees, Trustee, 2025-present

Home of the Innocents, Chair, 2007-2009; Board of Directors, 2003-2009 and 2026-present

International Women’s Forum, Secretary, Member, 2016-present

Greater Louisville, Inc., Executive Committee and Board Member, 2018-2026

Kentucky Derby Museum, Board of Directors, Secretary

St. Agnes Parish, School Board

St. Agnes Parish, Chair Elect, Parish Council

Junior Achievement, Board of Directors

21st Century Society of the Louisville Orchestra Board of Directors, Secretary

Leadership Kentucky, 2006

Leadership Louisville, 2004-2005

Selected Top 40 under 40, 2004

Firm Committees

Theresa serves or has served in the following leadership role(s) at FBT Gibbons:

Litigation Department Chair, January 2018–June 2026

Business Litigation Practice Group Leader, 2013-2017

Compensation Committee, Member

Recruiting Committee, Chair, Member

Women’s Initiative Committee, former Member

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