Karen C. McConnell is a member of the firm's Senior Leadership Team. Karen is known for her work in the areas of corporate law and securities law, with emphasis on mergers and acquisitions and private equity investment transactions. She has closed well over 400 transactions for buyers and sellers in her career.
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Karen currently serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Professional Activities
Member, State Bar of Arizona
Member, Ballard Spahr's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
Former Practice Group Leader of Ballard Spahr's Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group and the firm's Private Equity Practice Group
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers USA, corporate/M&A law, highest ranking (band one), 2003-2024
The Legal 500 US, mergers and acquisitions – middle-market (sub-$500m), 2012-2021, 2023, 2024
The Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities Regulation, and Securities/Capital Markets Law, 2003-2025; International Mergers and Acquisitions, 2018-2021, 2023-2025; "Lawyer of the Year," Corporate Law (Phoenix), 2012, 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2024, Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Phoenix), 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2025, Securities/Capital Markets Law (Phoenix), 2019, 2022, and 2024
Board Memberships & Community Service
Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy, Board of Directors, 2021-present; Member, Executive Committee; Member, Nominating and Governance Committee
Barrow Neurological Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2013-2023; at various times served as Treasurer, Chair of Finance and Investment Committee, Chair of Nominating and Governance Committee, and Member of Executive Committee
Credentials
Education
University of Notre Dame Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, 1984)
Note Editor, Notre Dame Law Review
Ohio University (B.B.A., summa cum laude, 1981)
Admissions
Arizona