Karen Staib practices in the areas of complex business and commercial litigation, with a particular focus on franchise and petroleum marketing matters, including representing major refiners and large distributors and wholesalers in all aspects of petroleum marketing-related counseling and litigation. Litigation in this area regularly includes dealer terminations under the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act (PMPA) and complex multi-dealer litigation involving claims related to pricing, rent, assignment, unfair trade practices and other franchise-related issues.
Karen is a trusted advisor to clients providing counseling with respect to the PMPA and to state franchise relationships and other petroleum-related laws and representing clients in litigation regarding these issues. Karen regularly represents clients in state and federal courts, including pursuing or defending against other parties seeking preliminary injunctive relief. She represents clients at both the trial and appellate levels.
In addition, as a part of her franchise and distribution practice, Karen provides counsel to manufacturers regarding issues relating to distributor relationships and the potential intersection with franchise laws.
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, 2011
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, 2007
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY, 2009
- U.S. District Court, District of CT, 2000
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2003
- U.S. Supreme Court
Distinctions
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Commercial Litigation (2025-2026)
- 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), Past 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 (2023-present)
- Miss Porter's School: Member, Board of Trustees (2011-2020)
- Miss Porter's School: Chair, Board of Trustees (2017-2020)
- 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
