Brian Kenney
Education and Experience
Brian is a graduate of Providence College and Suffolk University Law School. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, Massachusetts where he tried numerous cases to verdict and served as a special domestic violence prosecutor in the Lowell and Cambridge District Courts.
He joined Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen (ELSM) in the fall of 2004 and is now a partner responsible for managing the firm’s Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts practices.
Brian has handled hundreds of asbestos cases in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts Superior Courts on behalf of former tradesmen, servicemen and plant workers stricken with asbestos-related illnesses. He also devotes considerable time representing people who develop mesothelioma from their prior use of cosmetic talc products that contained asbestos. In addition, Brian handles secondhand and environmental asbestos exposure cases involving people who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos through their loved ones’ work clothes or who lived adjacent to industries using asbestos.
In 2012, Brian obtained a $2.4 million verdict on behalf of a career tile-setter who developed and died from mesothelioma resulting from his exposures to asbestos-containing thin-set mortar. This was the first verdict in the country to hold a trade association responsible for the design of an asbestos-containing product.
In May of 2024, Brian helped assemble and was part of a three-person trial team who obtained a $22 million verdict on behalf of an engineer who developed mesothelioma from his occupational exposures to asbestos-contaminated industrial talc.
In October of that same year, Brian was part of another three-lawyer trial team who obtained a $25 million verdict on behalf of a Connecticut resident who developed mesothelioma from his decades long use of Johnson’s Baby Powder. This was the first verdict in Connecticut for a Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit involving claims that its talc-based baby powder contained asbestos.
In June of 2025, Brian and his trial team helped secure an $8 million verdict for a Massachusetts grandmother diagnosed with mesothelioma resulting from her lifetime use of Johnson’s Baby Powder. Like Connecticut, this was the first verdict in Massachusetts against Johnson & Johnson over claims that its talc-based baby powder contained asbestos.
Brian frequently speaks on matters involving asbestos and trial advocacy. Brian is admitted to practice law in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.
Bar and Court Admissions
- State Bar of Connecticut
- State Bar of Massachusetts
- State Bar of New York
- State Bar of Rhode Island
- U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
Industry Accolades
- Best Lawyers® - The oldest and most highly regarded peer-review publication company in the legal profession. Best Lawyers selection methodology.
- 2023-2026: Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® - Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs (New Haven, CT)
- Super Lawyers® - A rating service acknowledging professional achievement and peer recognition. No more than 5% of the lawyers in any given state are awarded this prestigious designation. Super Lawyers selection process.
- 2024-2026: Named “Super Lawyer”
- 2011-2017: Named “Rising Star”
What Clients Say about Brian
I would like to thank the law offices of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen, and especially our attorney, Brian Kenney, for their diligent, thorough, timely, and competent work. After my husband's diagnosis of mesothelioma in July 2017, we were greatly helped by the kindness of Brian Kenney, who was always available to answer any questions and ready to work on our behalf. In fact, everyone that we dealt with in the law firm was always quick to help or to return our calls. This served to reduce our stress during an extremely difficult time. Our impression was that this law firm had a culture of kindness and service.
I am very thankful for the financial compensation that they obtained for us, so that my husband's early and unnecessary death did not result in financial hardship. I highly recommend this firm and especially Brian Kenney to anyone who is unfortunate enough to deal with asbestos related cancer, or any other difficult situation. Sincerely and with thanks,
Elaine C.In late 2021, I had surgery on my left lung for mesothelioma. One day, as I was recovering, I woke up in pain and was angry with the card I had been dealt because I didn’t drink, smoke or work with asbestos so I reached out to Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen and Brian Kenney. Brian became a constant presence who called regularly. As a result of his investigation, Brian was able to discover that my dad worked in a factory that made asbestos products when I was very young.
I have had a long road with chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments, but I am almost 4 years out from having major surgery. Brian’s work resulted in compensation which has helped me in so many ways, and I want to thank Brian for fighting for me.
Victoria M.
Request a Free Case Evaluation
Request a free case evaluation now if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The evaluation will cost you nothing. Our lawyers will travel to visit you at your convenience or conference call with you over the phone. We understand how difficult a time this is for you and will assist in any way that we can. You can also call us toll-free at 800-336-0086 at any time.
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