Karen T. Staib
she/her/hers
Partner
Karen Staib practices in the areas of complex business and commercial litigation, particularly in franchise and petroleum marketing matters, including representing major refiners and wholesalers in all aspects of petroleum marketing-related counseling and litigation, particularly dealer terminations under the PMPA and complex multi-dealer litigation involving claims related to pricing, rent, assignment and other franchise-related issues. Karen regularly represents clients in state and federal courts, both at the trial and appellate levels. Karen also served as a member of Shipman's Management Committee from 2020 through 2023.
Prior to joining the firm, Karen was a law clerk to the Honorable Flemming L. Norcott, Jr., of the Connecticut Supreme Court.
Credentials
Education
- University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., 1998, with honors
- Dartmouth College, B.A., 1994
Bar Admissions
- Connecticut, 1998
- Massachusetts
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 2009
- U.S. District Court, District of MA
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY, 2009
- U.S. District Court, District of CT, 2003
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2000
- U.S. Supreme Court
Distinctions
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Commercial Litigation (2025)
- AV Preeminent® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers (2011-2012)
- American Bar Foundation: Fellow
- Connecticut Bar Foundation: James W. Cooper Fellow
- 40 Under Forty, Hartford Business Journal (2011)
- Judge Maxwell Heiman Memorial Award, Hartford County Bar Association (2006)
- New Leaders of the Law, Connecticut Law Tribune (2005)
- Connecticut Insurance Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief (1997-1998)
Teaching Positions
- University of Connecticut School of Law: Adjunct Instructor, Moot Court (2003, 2004)
Professional Affiliations
- Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Court: President (2011-2012); Member (2003-present)
- American Bar Association: Forum on Franchising; Petroleum Marketing Committee of the Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER), Co-Chair
- Connecticut Bar Association: Federal Practice Section
- Hartford County Bar Association: Board of Directors (2009-2012)
Community Involvement
- Connecticut Science Center: Board of Trustees
- Miss Porter's School: Member, Board of Trustees (2011-present)
- University of Connecticut Law School Alumni Association: Member, Board of Directors (1999-2011); President (2005-2006)
- Alumnae Association of Miss Porter's School, Inc.: Member, Board of Directors (2003-2009); Co-President (2007-2009)
- Leadership Greater Hartford: Quest Class (2009)
- Association of Alumni of Dartmouth College: Member, Dartmouth Club of Hartford
