Who is Kevin Reddington? What to know about Lindsay Clancy's attorney

Kevin Reddington has represented major clients in Massachusetts for 50 years prior to the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, perhaps the most high-profile case of the veteran defense attorney's career.

Reddington, who accused a juror of lying in a heated exchange with Judge William Sullivan prior to Friday's mistrial, spoke to NBC Boston ahead of the murder trial that thrust him into the national spotlight five decades after being admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.

Reddington, 75, argued that Clancy, a 36-year-old former labor and delivery nurse charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of her three young children, did not receive adequate medication to treat postpartum psychosis prior to strangling them in the basement of the family's home in 2023.

"Everybody knew that Lindsay Clancy was just an incredible wife, mother, friend, and here she is now," Reddington told NBC Boston on August 18. "Tragic."

Prosecutors alleged Clancy deliberately strangled her children, Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and 8-month-old Callan before attempting to take her own life, insisting her actions were intentional and calculated.

Here's a closer look at Reddington, whose aggressive courtroom style and frequent interactions with reporters and Sullivan have spawned several nicknames online, including "Big Redd" and "Shreddington."

Reddington's Background

Reddington graduated from Boston College in 1972 and received his law degree from Suffolk University three years later. He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1975 and later to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Reddington then worked as a partner at Kelly & Reddington, a law firm based in Brockton, Massachusetts, from 1975 through 1991. He has since led his own independent practice, typically representing clients facing serious criminal charges like murder, drug or weapons offenses, DUI, domestic violence and assault.

His website identifies him as a decorated attorney known throughout Massachusetts

"A lawyer you can trust," the site reads. "A focus on the best outcome for you!"

Reddington has enjoyed "sustained recognition" for his courtroom performance and professional standing, according to a Lexinter Law Directory listing. In 1996, became a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and was later named among Massachusetts Super Lawyers from 2004 through last year.

"He appeared among its Top 100 lawyers from 2004 through 2010 and its Top 10 in 2004 and 2005," Reddington's bio reads. "His honors reflect decades of peer recognition, trial skill, and commitment to criminal defense."

What Has Reddington Said About Lindsay Clancy?

Reddington has repeatedly argued that Clancy had been suffering from severe postpartum psychosis prior to strangling her children. During his 52-minute closing argument, Reddington said Clancy's children had been her entire world.

"She lived for her kids until she had a psychotic break," Reddington said, adding that Clancy's children were victims of an act driven by mental illness rather than intentional murder.

Reddington has also repeatedly claimed improper medical care and supervision by health professionals left Clancy overmedicated on a dangerous mix of drugs that eventually triggered severe postpartum psychosis.

What Happened During Reddington's Clash With Sullivan?

Reddington accused a juror of lying in a heated exchange with Sullivan on Friday, saying notes suggested the juror had refused to apply the law and was "not being honest" with the judge.

"It clearly and unequivocally indicates that they are basically 11 to 1, and this person will not apply reasonable doubt to the evidence to return a not-guilty verdict," Reddington said.

But Sullivan disagreed, ruling that law only permits a juror to be discharged for personal reasons unrelated to the case or their relationship to other jurors.

Reddington's Prior High-Profile Clients

Clancy is far from Reddington's first prominent client, having previously represented former Boston Red Sox star Mo Vaughn in a drunk driving case in 1998 and Michael McDermott, who was convicted of killing seven people during a mass shooting in December 2000 at his workplace in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

Vaughn was acquitted, helping Reddington launch his lengthy career, Reddington told NBC Boston. The legal win also put an end to ribbing by other attorneys, like J.W. Carney, he recalled.

"I said, 'Jay, it's Mo Vaughn. If I win, everybody's going to go, 'Who's going to convict Mo Vaughn?'" Reddington told the station. "If I lose, I'm the bum that lost Mo Vaughn's case."

Does Kevin Reddington Have a Family?

Reddington, a married father of four, enjoys riding motorcycles and has participated in rallies held in Sturgis with his wife, Debbie.

He runs a solo venture without a team of attorneys, working alongside his colleague of 38 years, Laura Mather, NBC Boston reported. He said he has never considered becoming a prosecutor.

"As Jerry Spence said, 'I never sinned,'" Reddington told the station. "Nope. Nope. I don't have it in me to ever try to put somebody in jail."

He says he has no immediate plans to retire following Clancy's trial.

"Not going to work at Walmart, I don't want to work at Lowe's," Reddington said. "I like what I'm doing. I enjoy what I'm doing."

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Samantha Beech and Sam Wilson.

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