Background
Ronald L. Motley grew up in North Charleston, South Carolina, where his father owned an Amoco gas station.
Ronald L. Motley grew up in North Charleston, South Carolina, where his father owned an Amoco gas station.
University of South Carolina (Bachelor of Arts, 1966. Juris Doctor, 1971). Member, Society of Wig and Robe. Member, South Carolina Law Review, 1970- 1971.
He is best known for leading lawsuits against tobacco and asbestos companies. Motley was lead counsel for more than 6,500 family members and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks seeking justice against al-Qaeda’s financiers. His chief European investigator was noted terrorism financing expert Jean-Charles Brisard.
Ronald Motley was portrayed by Bruce McGill in the 1999 film The Insider, starring Russell Crowe.
Motley died on August 22, 2013, after a prolonged illness. The cause of death was described by one colleague as "respiratory complications and by another as "complications from organ failure".
South Carolina Bar; South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association (Associate Editor, The South Carolina Trial Lawyers Bulletin, 19751976. Chairman, Committee on Products Liability, 1976-1977. PresidentElect, 1976-1977.
President, 1977-1978).
The Association of Trial Lawyers of America (Member, Board of Governors, 1979-1982. Treasurer, 1986 1987).
(Also Member of Ness Motley Loadholt Richardson & Poole, Professional Association, Charleston, South Carolina).