Bob McConnell’s practice concentrates on lead pigment litigation, childhood lead poisoning cases, groundwater and soil contamination cases and other toxic environmental litigation. He represents victims seeking corporate accountability as a result of personal injury, property damage and economic loss as a result of negligent environmental practices.
Bob was a member of the trial team in the landmark trial on behalf of the state of Rhode Island against corporate defendants from the lead paint industry. He secured the largest lead paint poisoning settlement in Rhode Island on behalf of a child and continues to represent children injured by lead poisoning against property owners, governmental agencies and lead pigment companies. He also played a leading role in a statewide lobbying effort to defeat legislation that would have denied lead-poisoned children and their families the right to seek justice. Through testimony, analysis and grassroots outreach, he helped the Rhode Island legislature pass a bill helping to prevent childhood lead poisoning without infringing on victims’ rights.
In 2005, he successfully argued the precedent-setting case Thomas v. Mallett 285 Wis 2d 236 as part of the Motley Rice trial team applying risk contribution theory to the lead paint industry before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. More recently, Bob represented more than 100 residents of Tiverton, R.I., in an environmental contamination lawsuit against a major New England utility company.
With more than two decades of experience in asbestos litigation, Bob also represents victims of asbestos exposure suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. He has managed large consolidation trials in several states including Maryland, Mississippi and West Virginia.
After beginning his career as a teacher, Bob earned a law degree and clerked for the Honorable Donald F. Shea of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He joined Motley Rice attorneys on the tobacco litigation team representing multiple state attorneys general, which resulted in the historic Master Settlement Agreement between the states and the tobacco industry.
Bob serves on the Advisory Board of the Nonviolence Institute, an organization that seeks to promote peace and nonviolence among young people in Rhode Island’s inner cities. He also serves in a part-time capacity as the Municipal Housing Court Judge for the City of Central Falls, RI. In 2019, Bob received the Champion for Justice award from Roger Williams Law School for his legal work and community involvement.
Bob frequently speaks about lead paint litigation to local and regional groups such as the Rhode Island Bar Association and the Northeast Conference of Attorneys General. He is recognized as an AV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell .
Awards, Accolades & Recognitions
Best Lawyers
2009-2026 Mass tort litigation/class actions - plaintiffs
Super Lawyers
2008-2021 Rhode Island Super Lawyers list
Class action/mass torts; Environmental litigation; Personal injury - general: plaintiff
Benchmark Plaintiff
2012-2014 Rhode Island “Litigation Star”: environmental and toxic tort
The Legal 500 United States
2015 Mass tort and class action: plaintiff representation - toxic tort
*Although it endorses this lawyer, The Legal 500 United States is not a Motley Rice client.
Blog Posts
October 28, 2015
The Lead Wait: when will we finally end the preventable epidemic of lead poisoning? Causes, Not Just Cases
by: Robert J. McConnell
December 9, 2013
Human Rights Day - Continuing the Fight to Protect and Defend Inherent Human Rights Causes, Not Just Cases
by: Robert J. McConnell
News
April 28, 2025
The history and legacy of Workers’ Memorial Day
by:
M. Nolan Webb
August 26, 2024
51 Motley Rice attorneys listed in 2025 Best Lawyers in America guide
by: Motley Rice
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
