Katherine Shelby
Attorney at Law
Life at PLG:
Katherine concentrates her practice in environmental law, insurance law, and civil litigation.
Represents clients in CERCLA and ELA litigation, toxic tort litigation, environmental insurance coverage litigation, and remediation projects in the State Cleanup and Indiana Voluntary Remediation Programs at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Defends clients in enforcement matters before the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Advises insurance companies regarding coverage issues.
Included in every edition of The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Litigation – Environmental from 2014–2022 as well as Indiana Super Lawyers® in the field of Environmental Law from 2010–2022.
Named Indianapolis’ “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Environmental in 2022 by The Best Lawyers in America©.
Life Before PLG:
Former partner at large Midwestern law firm, where she practiced environmental law and insurance coverage litigation.
Has served as appellate counsel before the Indiana Court of Appeals, the Indiana Supreme Court, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. She has tried several lengthy jury trials and bench trials in state and federal courts.
Named Indianapolis' "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation – Environmental in 2016 by The Best Lawyers in America©.
Licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Arizona.
Graduated from Indiana University (B.A. 1976) and Indiana University Maurer School of Law (J.D. 1980, cum laude).
Life Beyond PLG:
Member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Arizona State Bar Association, and Indianapolis Bar Association; former chair of Indianapolis Bar Association Environmental Law Section.
Enjoys bird watching, traveling to exotic locations, making glass beads, and spending time with family and friends.
Selected Cases:
Franke Plating Works, Inc. v. The Cincinnati Insurance Co. (Indiana Court of Appeals, 2018) — argued in Court of Appeals which affirmed summary judgment on late notice in environmental coverage case.
The Peniel Group, Inc. v. Bannon (Indiana Court of Appeals, 2012) — Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment on statute of limitations in ELA case.
Worman Enterprises, Inc. v. Boone Co. Solid Waste Management District (Indiana Supreme Court, 2004) — argued in Supreme Court in solid waste permitting case.
Ind. Office of Envt’l Adjudication v. Kunz (Indiana Court of Appeals, 1999) — appeal from challenge to permit issued by IDEM.
Johnson Controls, Inc. v. Irving Rubber & Metal Co. (Middle District of Pennsylvania, 1996) — motion to dismiss third-party claims against insurer for lack of subject matter and personal jurisdiction in CERCLA case.
PSI Energy, Inc. v. Exxon Coal, Inc. (7th Circuit, 1994) — long-term coal contract dispute.
PSI Energy, Inc. v. Exxon Coal USA, Inc. (7th Circuit, 1993) — long-term coal contract dispute.
Porter v. Whitehall Laboratories, Inc. (7th Circuit, 1993) — affirmed summary judgment in drug liability case.
Keesling v. Baker & Daniels (Indiana Court of Appeals, 1991) — affirmed summary judgment on statute of limitations.
Presentations/Insights:
“Environmental Compliance Handbook – A Guide for Indiana Business,” Third – Eighth Editions, published by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce — 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014 contributor.
“New Federal Protections Against Superfund Liability Not Available Under Indiana Law,” Indiana Manufacturers Association’s Environmental Forum — 2003 speaker.
“CERCLA Update & The Use of Criminal Initiatives in Environmental Law,” Indianapolis Bar Association, Environmental Law Section — 2002 contributor.
“Insurance Coverage for Environmental Liabilities,” Indianapolis Bar Association, Environmental Law Section — 2001 contributor.
