Learn more about Motley Rice

Advocating for the rights of workers, consumers, families and investors is our firm's guiding principle as we aggressively seek justice for people and institutions harmed by wrongdoing and negligence. As one of the nation’s largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms, Motley Rice attorneys have played leadership roles in some of the most significant cases to ever go through U.S. courts. We have the experience and depth of resources required to take on innovative, cutting-edge litigation across a variety of practice areas. Read more about our history and groundbreaking casework below.

Our history

Motley Rice's founding members Ron Motley (1944-2013) and Joe Rice began working together in the 1970s to use the civil justice system as both a consumer and business ethics watchdog. Motley Rice attorneys have played significant leadership roles in large and impactful settlements, decisions, and cases.

Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Revealed the most substantial business cover-up in U.S. history of a devastating disease caused by a product. Represented thousands of workers, veterans and families. Negotiated and shaped some of the largest U.S. bankruptcy trusts. Litigated cases in 57 U.S. jurisdictions and counting.

Tobacco

Negotiated the $246 billion Master Settlement Agreement with dozens of State Attorneys General, the largest civil settlement in U.S. history.

9/11 & Terrorism Financing

Led extensive discovery and settlements for more than 50 cases in 9/11 aviation litigation. Represent more than 6,600 family members, survivors and first responders in ongoing litigation. Conducted global investigation into terrorism financing in Linde vs. Arab Bank and brought a financial institution to trial for the first time under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Co-lead negotiator for largest civil class action settlement in U.S. history.

Securities Fraud & Antitrust

Led litigation for U.S. and foreign plaintiffs against corporations including: Twitter, Barrick Gold, Pharmacia Corp., Sprint, Nextel, State Street, Avon, Visa/Mastercard, and pay-for-delay medical drug manufacturers.

Vehicle Defects

VW Emissions Fraud: One of the lead settlement negotiators. Largest auto-related consumer class action in U.S. history.

Takata’s Airbags: Negotiated a rare personal injury trust and vehicle manufacturer settlement amid bankruptcy.

Medical Drugs & Devices

Held leadership roles in more than 30 medical drug and device cases and represented more than 41,000 clients, including recovering millions of dollars for tens-of-thousands of women injured by TVM products.

Lead Contamination

Co-lead trial counsel in the historic public nuisance lead paint pigment verdict, The People of California v. Conagra Grocery Products Company. Achieved a $305 million settlement for 10 California jurisdictions to fund removal of toxic lead paint in homes, protecting thousands of families and children.

Worker Safety

Consulted on first class action in South Africa’s history for injured workers and negotiated the historic settlement that resolved the case, achieving an unprecedented means of recovery for gold miners exposed to toxic silica dust.

Opioid Crisis

Co-lead counsel for 2,700+ communities nationwide in the National Prescription Opiate MDL, including trial counsel and negotiators for settlement that resolved the MDL’s first bellwether trial in Ohio. Counsel for 40+ state and local governments, including several of the hardest hit areas.

What to Expect with Motley Rice

We approach each case with care and compassion as litigation is often connected to life-altering events. We know how challenging pursuing litigation can be for our clients and their families, especially when they’re fighting a battle they never asked to be a part of. Our attorneys and staff are here to guide clients through the process and ease their burdens. While litigation can take years to complete from start to finish, our attorneys are always working for our clients, no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets. We will stand beside our clients, every step of the way.

Our Clients

From workers to consumers, shareholders to local communities – we represent people and entities from all walks of life who have suffered injuries or losses due to corporate negligence and misconduct.

World-wide Reach

With more than 100 attorneys, hundreds of support personnel, and a network of co-counsel across the globe, we have the resources to investigate claims for clients throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Fighting for justice

Our lives and those of the people we love can change in an instant. Whether you were blindsided by an unexpected diagnosis or are finding your way following a devastating accident or financial loss, we're here to support those who need us. We focus on the following litigation areas:

Award-winning firm

Our attorneys have a strong track record of landmark action for consumer and worker protection, beginning with asbestos and tobacco and continuing today in a wide variety of litigation. We're honored to be recognized by many groups including these below. Selection criteria for each of the awards available here.