Theresa is chair of the firm’s Litigation Department, which houses seven litigation practice groups. Theresa also maintains an active practice. Her legal practice has an emphasis in complex business matters, including energy-related contract disputes, business torts, franchise disputes and related matters, construction disputes and unfair competition cases. She represents Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 corporations, as well as closely-held companies, startup businesses and entrepreneurs. She also has substantial experience representing energy-sector entities in state and federal litigation.
Theresa has a wide-range of experience in trying business dispute cases in federal and state courts around the country, as well as prosecuting and defending complex matters through arbitration. Over the course of her career, she has tried more than 15 cases in either court or arbitration, often involving many weeks of trial in each instance.
Theresa also has experience representing individuals and companies in federal criminal investigations, including health care fraud and antitrust investigations.
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).
University of Kentucky College of Law, J.D., 1994, high distinction, Order of the Coif
Bellarmine University B.A., 1991, magna cum laude
Law Clerk, Judge Eugene Siler, Jr., Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1994-95
Illinois, 1994
Kentucky, 2001
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
Benchmark Litigation: Top 250 Women in Litigation 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial, 2017-2024
The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, 2013-2025
Louisville Magazine: “Powerful People”
Selected for inclusion in Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2007-2024
Benchmark Litigation®, listed among the “Local Litigation Stars” for Kentucky, 2011-2012
Benchmark Litigation®, listed among the “Benchmark Litigation Stars” for Kentucky, 2022-2023
American Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Brandeis Inn of Court
Greater Louisville, Inc., Board Member
International Women’s Forum, Board Member
Kentucky Derby Museum, Board of Directors, Secretary
St. Agnes Parish, School Board
St. Agnes Parish, Chair Elect, Parish Council
The Home of the Innocents, Inc., Chair, 2007-2009; Board of Directors
Junior Achievement, Board of Directors, 2008
21st Century Society of the Louisville Orchestra Board of Directors, Secretary
Leadership Kentucky, 2006
Leadership Louisville, 2004-2005
Selected Top 40 under 40, 2004
February 15, 2018 | Press Releases
Theresa A. Canaday has assumed the role of Litigation Department chair at Frost Brown Todd (FBT), on...