Keith E. Donovan is the Managing Partner and Chair of the Executive Committee of Morris James.

As Managing Partner, Keith develops sound business strategies and policies for the firm, oversees firm operations with strict focus on ensuring superior client service, and leads firm operations. He was elected to this position in January 2018.

In addition to his management responsibilities, Keith is a fierce advocate for persons injured due to the negligence of others, and has more than 30 years of experience litigating personal injury cases, including mass torts and product liability claims.

He is highly regarded by clients as a skillful and composed trial attorney with sharp analytical skills. Keith is respected by his colleagues for his depth, responsiveness, and ability to see the big picture.

For the first 10 years of his career, Keith concentrated on the representation of insurance companies and insureds. In 2002, Keith began representing injured individuals, and now exclusively represents plaintiffs in injury and insurance-related matters. His deep understanding of the tactics and strategies used by insurance companies in defending claims is a unique advantage to his clients.

Keith is a seasoned trial attorney, who has successfully litigated thousands of civil cases over the course of his career. He works tirelessly to settle cases outside of the courtroom, expediting resolution of the claim for his clients. Inside the courtroom, Keith is prepared, focused, and eager to win. He has tried over 45 cases to verdict, a noteworthy accomplishment as the litigation process often leads to settlement during mediation or arbitration.

As such, Keith is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation-only national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. Members must have tried at least 10 civil jury trials to conclusion to be considered for invitation into the association. He was invited to ABOTA in 2005. In 2010, he was elected as President of the Delaware Chapter. In 2011, he was elected as Treasurer of the Delaware Chapter and currently serves in this role.

Additionally, Keith is a frequent speaker on personal injury insurance issues and on trial techniques and strategies. He is often selected by his peers to serve as an arbitrator or mediator.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
  • Representing multiple veterans and their family members nationwide injured due to water contamination at Camp LeJeune
  • Representing multiple women nationwide who developed Meningiomas following the use of Depo Provera
  • Successfully resolved a nationwide medical device product liability claim on behalf of a group of individuals for a confidential eight-figure settlement
  • Representing individuals injured due to the tuberculosis-infected bone graft material and product recall by Aziyo Biologics
  • Successfully tried over 45 cases to verdict
  • Multiple confidential seven-figure settlements
  • Successfully negotiated several six-figure settlements in boating accident and maritime law claims 
  • Successfully resolved thousands of injury claims throughout his over 30-year-long career as a trial attorney
Honors
  • Best Lawyers®, 2009 - Present
    • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    • Mediation
    • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
    • Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
    • Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants
    • 2020, Lawyer of the Year
  • Delaware Today Top Lawyers
    • 2014 - Present, Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • 2010, 2014 - 2016, Tort Law
  • America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement, 2016
  • Corporate INTL Magazine, Attorney of the Year in Delaware, 2014
  • American Registry, Best Delaware Attorneys, 2013
  • Delaware Volunteer Legal Services Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2009

Services

Admissions

  • Delaware, 1991
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Education

  • Widener University Delaware Law School, JD, cum laude, 1991
  • University of Delaware, BS, 1988

Professional Affiliations

  • Delaware Trial Lawyers Association
    • 2011, President
    • 2008 – 2013, Board Member
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Delaware Chapter
    • 2011 – Present, Treasurer
    • 2010, President
    • 2005 – Present
  • Delaware Board of Bar Examiners, Past Board Member
  • Kent County Civil Liaison for the Superior Court, tenure ended in 2018
  • Delaware State Bar Association, Member
  • American Bar Association, Member
  • American Association for Justice, Member