Kevin J McAllister

Kevin McAllister is known for his strategic focus and strong advocacy for his clients as well as for his ability to navigate and guide clients through the legal nuances of complex cases and new areas of the law. He has been involved in several legal matters that set precedent and numerous high-stakes cases. He represents clients in a wide array of commercial and civil litigation, often representing clients in significant personal injury cases.

During his five years as Town Solicitor for Hopkinton, Rhode Island, Kevin successfully advised the Town on matters involving open meetings, access to public records, land use and zoning matters, general Town governance, as well as planning, overseeing, and litigating controversial matters including:

  • A large influx of proposed developments of large-scale, ground-mounted solar energy facilities and medical marijuana cultivation operations;
  • Contested proceedings related to the revocation of a local establishment’s liquor license following a tragic accident;
  • Implementation of COVID 19 restrictions involving Town operations and public meetings that were compliant with State law and CDC guidance; and
  • Navigating complex personnel, environmental, public safety and public health issues that were specific to the Town.

Kevin developed a deep respect for the Hopkinton’s community spirit and an understanding of its unique historical, agricultural and environmental characteristics. He provided direct representation and/or oversight of all pending litigation including  appearances in US District Court, RI Supreme Court and RI Superior Court.

Prior to joining BRCSM, Kevin worked in federal government and as a solo practitioner. With an avid interest in the intersection between government and the law, Kevin was the president of the Cranston City Council and on the board of directors and executive committee of Common Cause Rhode Island, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization promoting open, honest and accountable government.

See our recent Get-To-Know-Us blog post about Kevin here.

Bar Admissions:

Rhode Island
Massachusetts
United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island
United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Professional Affiliations:

Rhode Island Bar Association Superior Court and Federal Court Bench/Bar Committees
Rhode Island Superior Court Annexed Arbitration Program (1989 – Present)

Civic & Charitable Involvement:

Board of Directors, Common Cause Rhode Island (2001 – 2016; Executive Committee, 2003 – 2016, President, 2007 – 2011)
Candidate for United States Congress, Second Congressional District, 2000
Democratic Primary City Councilman, City of Cranston, Rhode Island (September, 1993 – 2001; Council President, 1999- 2001)
Board of Directors, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of RI (2001 – 2002)
Hearing Officer, Narragansett Bay Commission Arbitrator
Member and Past Chairman, Citizens Advisory Committee To the Narragansett Bay Commission (December, 1984 – December, 1990)
Youth Baseball Manager, Cranston National Budlong Little League, Cranston, RI (1991 – 1999)

Publications & Speaking Engagements:

Author: “Making the Decision: Political and Legal Aspects of Privatization from an Elected Official’s Point of View.” Enviro-Expo Proceedings, Longwood Environmental Management, Inc. (1997)
Co-Author: “Managing Risks to Health, Safety and Environment by the Use of Alternatives to Regulation 16.” New England Law Review 657 (1981)
Co-Author: “Alternatives to Regulation.” (Lexington Books, 1982)
Contributing Writer:  New Hampshire District and Municipal Court Benchbook (Civil Section, 1982)

Education:

Franklin Pierce Law Center, 1981
College of the Holy Cross,  1974
University of Vienna, 1972 – 1973