Rory Parnell

Rory Parnell is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University and New England Law – Boston. Rory worked full-time, for the then Law Offices of Parnell & McKay, every year he was in law school, and has been working at Parnell & McKay and then Parnell, Michels & McKay since 2002. Rory has been a partner at the firm since 2017, and dedicates his practice primarily to civil litigation.

Rory has been admitted to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bar Associations since 2011, and is licensed to practice in the United States District Court of New Hampshire. Rory works primarily in the areas of Injury (including motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle collisions, slip and falls, dog bites, trip and falls, and other injuries), Workers Compensation, Real Estate Litigation, Landlord/Tenant, Disability, and General Litigation areas.

Awards and Recognition's:
2021 Forty Under 40 Honoree from the Union Leader
2020 Pro Bono Distinguished Service Award
2017 New Hampshire Bar Foundation -Robert Kirby Award
2014 Pro Bono Rising Star Award
L. Jonathan Ross Award Winner for 2024

  • Am I Owed Money for My Work Injury if I am Permanently Impaired?

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    Permanent impairment injuries are a critical component of the workers’ compensation system in New Hampshire. While many workplace injuries heal over time, others leave lasting physical or functional limitations. Understanding how permanent impairment works—and how benefits are calculated—can help injured workers better navigate their rights and expectations under state law. What Is a Permanent Impairment? A permanent impairment refers to a lasting loss of function or use of a body part following a work-related injury or illness. These injuries persist even after medical treatment has concluded and the worker has reached what is known as Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point at which further recovery is not expected. In New Hampshire, permanent impairment is distinct from temporary disability. It focuses specifically on the long-term physical consequences…

  • Basics of Family Law Appeals

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    Final family law decisions, such those that come from initial divorce and parenting orders can have lasting consequences. When a party believes a trial court’s decision was made in error, an appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court may be appropriate. However, appeals are not new trials. Appeals focus on whether the law was applied correctly. There are some core things you should know about family law appeals. Mandatory vs. Discretionary Appeals New Hampshire distinguishes between mandatory and discretionary appeals. Final divorce decrees are typically mandatory, meaning the Supreme Court must hear them. In contrast, many post-divorce matters, such as modifications of parenting plans or support, are discretionary and may be declined. Discretionary appeals will typically deal with clearer errors or novel points of law….

  • Understanding Medical Malpractice Law in New Hampshire

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    Medical malpractice cases in New Hampshire represent one of the most complex and consequential areas of personal injury law. When patients seek medical care, they trust that doctors, nurses, and hospitals will provide treatment that meets accepted professional standards. However, when that trust is broken and negligence occurs, the legal system provides a pathway for victims to pursue compensation and accountability. Understanding Medical Malpractice Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted “standard of care” and causes injury or harm to a patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or overall health management. In New Hampshire, malpractice claims must meet four essential elements: These elements typically require expert medical testimony, making malpractice cases particularly challenging and resource-intensive. Common Types of…

  • Effective Co-Parenting After Separation or Divorce

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    Understanding the Goal of Co-Parenting When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important challenges they face is learning how to successfully co-parent. While the romantic relationship may end, the parenting relationship does not. Effective co-parenting allows children to maintain strong, healthy relationships with both parents while providing the stability and consistency they need to thrive. At its core, co-parenting means working together to make decisions in the best interests of the child. This includes coordinating schedules, communicating about school and medical issues, and maintaining appropriate expectations between households. Even when parents disagree, focusing discussions on the child’s well-being rather than past conflicts can make cooperation easier. Communication Is Key Communication is one of the most critical components of successful co-parenting. Parents should aim…

  • Dog Bite Personal Injury Cases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    Dog attacks can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship. Victims often face medical bills, lost wages, and long-term scarring or disfigurement. In both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, state laws allow victims to pursue compensation when a dog causes injury. Understanding how these laws work is essential for anyone who has been injured in a dog attack or who may be considering a personal injury claim. The Prevalence and Impact of Dog Bites Dog bites are more common than many people realize. Across the United States, millions of dog bites occur every year, and a large percentage of victims require medical treatment. Children are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries because of their size and inability to defend themselves effectively. Injuries from dog…

  • Understanding Trucking Accidents in New Hampshire and Massachusetts: What Victims Need to Know

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    Trucking accidents are among the most devastating collisions on our roadways. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and heartbreaking loss. For residents of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, where interstate travel is common and freight traffic is heavy, understanding the unique legal landscape surrounding trucking accidents can make all the difference in pursuing justice and fair compensation. Why Trucking Accidents Are Different Trucks are not ordinary vehicles. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — nearly 20 times heavier than the average passenger car. This weight alone increases stopping distances and magnifies impacts. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the results can be life-altering. But beyond the physics…

  • Spoliation: Top Five Reasons You Have To Preserve Evidence

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    Spoliation is when evidence that is necessary to evaluate the merits of the case is destroyed or not maintained prior to a lawsuit. So, if you have been injured, and you are not sure what happened, you may have a duty to preserve evidence, as will the potential defendant in your case. Maybe you slipped on something in a grocery store, or maybe there was a mechanical failure in an ATV or snowmobile, and now you are in the hospital unsure of what to do. If you find yourself in this situation, here are the top five reasons to preserve evidence: If you are involved in a situation where you were injured, it is best to speak to an attorney early in the process to…

  • Was it Correcting a Mistake or Modifying a Divorce Decree?

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    The New Hampshire Supreme Court recently issued an order on In the Matter of Warren Jackson and Jean Jackson, Case No. 2024-0242. The parties had a long-term marriage and Husband filed for divorce in October 2020. Prior to the Final Hearing, Wife filed two Motions for Contempt. One of the Motions claimed that Husband did not comply with mandatory financial disclosure under Rule 1.25-A, and the other claimed that Husband had removed personal property from the marital home and refused to return it. A Final Hearing was held in July 2022 and a Final Decree was issued in December 2022. With regard to the Motion for Contempt filed by Wife prior to the Final Hearing pertaining to personal property, the trial court ordered Husband to…

  • “Flying Snow Is No Accident: Jessica’s Law in New Hampshire”

    ByRory Parnell Hours

                As snow is bearing down on most of the country and is coming to New Hampshire this weekend, it is important to remember laws associated with snow. One of them is called “Jessica’s Law”. Jessica’s Law has been the law of New Hampshire for over twenty (20) years now. It is a law that requires the clearing of ice and snow off the top of a vehicle prior to driving it. The basis of the law was a tragic accident that claimed the life of Jessica Smith in 1999. A piece of ice about nine (9) feet long flew off of a tractor trailer, smashing into a box truck that veered into Jessica’s vehicle causing her death. The accident in Peterborough is not long…

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    REMEMBER TO PRACTICE 12 DAYS OF CO-PARENTING CALM

    ByRory Parnell Hours

    I came across a wonderful blog called “12 Days of Co-Parenting Calm” written by Deb Gilman and posted on the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals website. You can find that blog here:  12 Days of Co-Parenting Calm. As I read this blog, I am reminded that the holidays are supposed to be fun and joyful for children! When parents are going through a divorce/separation or are already divorced, it can be difficult to remember this important fact. Adding stress or chaos to your children’s lives by engaging in conflict with their other parent removes the fun and joy the children should be experiencing over the holidays. As you go through the holidays this year, please try to remember the importance of calm. Your children will benefit…