[3][4] From 1983 to 1984, McConnell worked as a law clerk to Rhode Island Supreme Court Associate Justice Donald F.

From 1997 to 2000, he helped investigate the case, file the complaints, and conduct discovery and motions practice while representing many states through their attorneys general.

[5][6] McConnell was active in politics, serving 14 years as treasurer of the Rhode Island Democratic State Committee.

[2] McConnell chaired David Cicilline's mayoral campaign from 2003 to 2009, and served four years on Rhode Island's Planned Parenthood branch's board of directors.

[11][12] On January 31, 2025, McConnell issued an injunction against President Donald Trump's freeze of domestic federal spending.

"[15]: 3 McConnell is married to Sara, the daughter of former Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Donald F. Shea, for whom he had clerked.