Motley Rice member Don Migliori recognized by Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly for “Excellence in Law”
Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly named Don Migliori a 2020 Leader in Law during a virtual ceremony on September 10 for his more than 20 years of experience in a variety of impactful litigations.
After defending corporations early in his career, Don soon felt a shift in his moral obligation to instead protect the interest of his fellow citizens. Don then joined the legal team that litigated historic tobacco lawsuits in the 1990s, resulting in the $246 billion Master Settlement Agreement, the largest civil settlement in U.S. history. After the tobacco litigation, he focused on litigating more than 50 cases that alleged aviation liability related to the 9/11 attacks in addition to managing anti-terrorism litigation as a one of the lead attorneys for the 9/11 Families United to Bankrupt Terrorism, a groundbreaking case that aimed to bankrupt the financiers of al Qaeda. Don said helping victim families in the 9/11 litigation was his “proudest professional moment.” While still involved 9/11 litigation that seeks to uncover Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in the attacks, Don has also taken on leadership positions in litigation involving defective medical devices and drugs as well as opioid litigation on behalf of states, cities, counties and towns against opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.
Don also has prioritized time to serve as a mentor to members of his community. He spent 10 years teaching at Roger Williams University School of Law - their first Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, and actively works with down syndrome communities in Rhode Island and South Carolina.
Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly hosted its Excellence in Law award ceremony virtually on Sept. 10, 2020 where several Motley Rice attorneys surprised Don with congratulations messages:
Joe Rice
“Don, I really enjoyed watching you grow up in Motley Rice, and I’m not talking about all those pizzas you eat, I am talking about your growth as a leader in and outside the firm. Your ability and agility to work in diverse practice areas and your strong presence at the negotiating table and the courtroom exemplify why you were selected for this award and we are all proud of you. Congratulations Don!”
Kristin Hermiz
“Don, congratulations on your well-deserved Excellence in Law award. Your tireless work on behalf of our clients is an inspiration to me and all those who have the privilege of working with you. I look forward to the many great things you will continue to accomplish and the victories you will achieve in your legal career.”
James Ledlie
“In my two decades working with you, your dedication, compassion, and leadership in and out of the courtroom, have made a tremendous impact on me, and I have learned so much from you. You have improved the lives of countless Americans through your work. You’re an amazing lawyer and even better friend.”
Vincent Greene
“Don, it has been a privilege to work with you for many years, as you have broken so many boundaries in your fight against terrorism, big tobacco and most recently the opioid crisis.”
Michael Pendell
“Don, you have always been a wise and enthusiastic presence for many of us at Motley Rice. Any good habits I have developed as a trial lawyer are a result of your mentorship.”
Jonathan Orent
“Don, your role in the Motley Rice family is not limited to being a great teacher or the best trial lawyer, but you are also a compassionate friend, trusted advisor in our personal lives as well. No one is more deserving of this award than you.”
About Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly Leaders in Law
Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly’s 2020 Excellence in the Law awards recognized 20 honorees with a wide range of accomplishments in the Rhode Island legal community. All of the honorees were chosen by a committee drawn from members of their editorial department. Don was one of two recipients to win in the Leaders in Law inaugural category. Read more.