Kevin J. O'Connell

        Partner

        Kevin gives practical advice to businesses and is a trusted advisor to many of New England’s finest middle-market manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and technology companies. He maintains a sophisticated and diverse practice with a particular focus on transactional representation, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, the structuring of joint ventures and strategic relationships, and angel, venture, private equity, commercial lender, and other financings.

        Kevin counsels clients in the food and beverage, healthcare, technology, telecommunications, energy, engineering, transportation, manufacturing, and professional services sectors on a broad range of business issues, including ongoing general representation, licensing, contracts, and commercial matters. Kevin’s business clients especially value his candor and pragmatism.

        The principal focus of Kevin’s practice is mergers and acquisitions. He has negotiated and closed countless mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and similar transactions in his 35 years of practice. Kevin serves many of his clients as outside general counsel.

        Since 2017, Kevin has served as Partner in Charge of Verrill’s Boston office.

        Outside the office, Kevin is an active member of the community. He is a trustee of The Timothy O’Connell Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to pediatric cancer-related causes, which he and his wife Joanne founded in loving memory of their son Timothy. Kevin has also served as a member of the boards of directors of Make-a-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and other charitable organizations. He is a member of the Finance Council St. Mary’s Parish (Holliston, Massachusetts).

        Services/Industries

        Education

        • Boston College Law School (J.D.)
        • College of the Holy Cross (B.A.)

        Public Service

        • Board of Directors, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (2013-2019)
        • Board of Directors, Find the Cause, Inc. (formerly known as Art beCAUSE Breast Cancer Foundation) (2008-2018)
        • Board of Trustees, The Timothy O’Connell Foundation (2008-present)

        Bar Admissions

        • Massachusetts
        • New York

        Honors

        • AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
        • Selected by peers for inclusion in New England Super Lawyers under Business/Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions and Closely Held Business
        • Named Go To Business Transactions Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

        Learn more about the third-party ratings, rankings, and selection processes used for inclusion.

        Firm Highlights

        Press Releases

        97 Verrill Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2027, Including Four Named Lawyers of the Year

        AUGUSTA, Maine, BANGOR, Maine, BOSTON, Mass., PORTLAND, Maine, and WESTPORT, Conn., (August 20, 2026) – Verrill is proud to announce that 97...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SEC’s Proposed “Reg Crypto”: What Founders Need to Know

        Startup founders and emerging-growth companies have a number of options for raising capital under the federal securities laws, including Regulation D...
        Blog

        After 45 Years, the IRS Speaks on DCAP Nondiscrimination Testing – And It’s Good News

        Employers that provide a Dependent Care Assistance Program will be pleased to learn that for the first time in 45 years, the IRS has issued guidance...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses Bankruptcy Auction Strategy in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach spoke with Law360 article examining the complex bankruptcy auction process that resulted in the sale of 23 summer...
        Media Mentions

        Martha Gaythwaite Featured in Portland Press Herald Coverage of Sig Sauer Trial Victory

        Verrill attorney Martha Gaythwaite was highlighted in media coverage of a federal trial in Bangor involving firearm manufacturer Sig Sauer. As...
        Media Mentions

        Law360 Quotes Robert Keach on Senate Bill Affecting Small Business Restructurings

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article discussing federal legislation that would permanently restore the $7.5 million...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SAFEs and Preferred Stock – Key Deal Terms Every Founder Should Know

        SAFEs Before negotiating a term sheet for preferred stock, many early-stage companies, particularly at the seed stage, first raise capital through...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Business Restructuring and Insolvency Attorney Nimra Tariq

        BOSTON, Massachusetts – Verrill is pleased to announce that Nimra Tariq has joined the firm’s Business Restructuring and Insolvency Group as an...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Provides Commentary on First Brands Restructuring in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was quoted in the Law360 article, "First Brands' Ch. 11 Plan Revives Angst Over Admin Claims," discussing First Brands...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Construction Attorney Cassie Dufon

        PORTLAND, Maine – Verrill is pleased to welcome Cassie Dufon to the firm’s Construction Group as an Associate, resident in the firm’s Portland...
        Press Releases

        Verrill’s Wide-Ranging Private Wealth Law Practice Recognized in 2026 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide

        BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine and BOSTON, Mass. – Verrill attorneys Kenneth P. Brier, Anya F. Endsley, Kurt E. Klebe, Mary McQuillen, Nathaniel S....
        Blog

        Update on Status of Maine Packaging EPR

        In December 2024, Verrill published a blog post, Unwrapping Maine's Gift to the Environment: A New Packaging Stewardship Program Set to Launch in...