PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A Rhode Island lawyer has been nominated for a federal judgeship.
President Barack Obama on Wednesday nominated Jack McConnell for a seat on the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island.
McConnell is a managing partner of the Providence office of the Motley Rice law firm. He and his firm were hired by the state to help try a lawsuit against former lead paint companies. The state won a jury verdict in 2006 that could have cost the companies billions of dollars, but was reversed on appeal by the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
McConnell has also been involved in lawsuits against tobacco companies.
He was recommended for the position by senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed, both Democrats.
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