Michael G. Connery
Partner
Philadelphia Office
100 N. 18th Street, Ste. 300
Philadelphia , PA 19103
Michael G. Connery is a partner at QPWB, where he leads the firm's National Settlement Counsel Practice. A pioneer in this unique legal field, Mr. Connery presents clients with a Different model of legal advocacy. Settlement Counsel prioritizes the strategic resolution of complex disputes as a solution to the protracted cycles, costs and risks of traditional litigation.
The Settlement Counsel Difference
Settlement Counsel is a distinct role and a unique advocate. Settlement Counsel has the confidentiality and protections of rules and law and is unburdened by the procedural demands and trial timetables that often dictate the pace of a case. By operating in parallel with the trial team or prior to the commencement of litigation, Mr. Connery provides clients with a dedicated pathway to closure.
His approach is built on the value of "The Missing Conversation." He is not a mediator or a neutral: he serves the client and helps end risk. Leveraging his professional experience, Mr. Connery bridges the gap between highly adversarial parties, transforming entrenched conflict into productive, results-focused negotiations and closure. This unique skill set and approach allows him to navigate the emotional, reputational, and organizational complexities that often stall resolutions and increase risk.
Areas of Strategic Impact
For more than two decades, Mr. Connery has served as lead negotiator and principal Settlement Counsel for global corporations, insurers, and individual claimants. His involvement has facilitated the resolution of disputes that would otherwise have spanned years and generated enormous legal spend and risk. As Settlement Counsel he has addressed the full spectrum of high-stakes litigation, including:
- Complex Tort & Catastrophic Injury: Navigating high-exposure claims and inventory settlements with a focus on final outcomes in the best interest of the client.
- Commercial & Intellectual Property: Resolving intricate business disputes where corporate continuity and value protection are paramount.
- Class Actions & Mass Torts: Managing securities, employment, and pharmaceutical claims through innovative resolution frameworks.
- Institutional Liability: Resolving sensitive claims involving sexual abuse and organizational risk with the highest level of discretion and empathy.
- Insurance & Recovery: Handling bad faith risk and recovery matters of every form.
A Legacy of Resolution
With 40 years of legal experience, including 30 years as a defense trial lawyer, Mr. Connery understands the mechanics of risk from the inside out. He has helped clients mitigate multiple billions in potential exposure and has successfully navigated resolutions at every stage—from pre-suit mediation to the appellate level.
Previously, Mr. Connery chaired a national litigation practice of over 150 attorneys. Today, his practice is defined by its efficiency: he saves clients thousands of hours and years of uncertainty by knowing exactly when and how to bring a matter to its best possible conclusion.
Education & Credentials
- J.D., University of Nebraska College of Law
- M.A. in Psychology, United States International University
- B.S. in Psychology, St. Joseph's University
- Licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating: The highest distinction for legal ability and ethical standards, as recognized by his peers.
