William T. O'Connell III

William O’Connell focuses on insurance and employment and civil rights defense. He also counsels employers regarding policies, procedures and personnel issues.

William has been recognized by Best Lawyers for Civil Rights Law and Litigation – Labor and Employment since 2021. He clerked for the Hon. Robert A. Coogan at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, and served as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey specializing in employment and civil rights defense.

Representative Experience

Obtained defense verdict for a municipal police officer in a state court action alleging excessive force.

Successfully moved to dismiss a federal court complaint against a public entity and elected officials alleging First Amendment violations.

Obtained defense verdict for a public entity and a former sheriff in a federal court action alleging failure to provide adequate medical care to a pre-trial detainee.

Successfully moved to dismiss a federal court complaint against employees of a District Attorney’s office alleging malicious prosecution and other constitutional claims.

Obtained summary judgment for a municipal police officer in a federal court action alleging excessive force.

Successfully moved to dismiss a federal court complaint against a public entity alleging due process and other constitutional claims which was affirmed by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Professional Recognition

Civil Rights Law and Litigation - Labor and Employment

Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence

Related Services

Education, Admissions & Activities

Education

Suffolk University School of Law

J.D., 1997
cum laude

Norwich University

B.S., 1992
cum laude

Bar Admissions

Colorado

1995

Court Admissions

United States Court of Appeals

Third Circuit and Tenth Circuit

United States District Court of New Jersey

United States District Court of Colorado

Professional and Community Activities

Colorado Bar Association

Denver Bar Association

Defense Research Institute

Governmental Liability Committee; Lawyers’ Professionalism and Ethics Committee-Steering Committee, 2007-2012

Faculty of Federal Advocates