Tola Familoni represents victims of aviation disasters and their family members against catastrophic corporate negligence.
Tola litigates for the surviving families of three soldiers in a case alleging negligence on the part of numerous contractors in a deadly Black Hawk crash at Hunter Army Airfield. The case alleges that an improperly torqued spanner nut and a missing cotter pin resulted in the loss of tail rotor authority and the resulting crash of the helicopter.
Most recently, Tola was named to the Plaintiffs' Executive Committee for federal case IN RE: Air Crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025, MDL 3155. This lawsuit is handling claims against Delta and Endeavor Airlines for a February 2025 crash landing in Toronto.
Previously, Tola represented consumers who allege Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder caused their cancer. He represented the City of Chicago in litigation alleging e-cigarette maker JUUL misled the public on the safety of its products while marketing to children. Tola was also a part of Motley Rice’s team of attorneys representing dozens of governmental entities, including states, cities, towns, counties, and townships in litigation against several pharmaceutical drug manufacturers and distributors for the alleged deceptive marketing of highly addictive opioids.
Before joining Motley Rice, Tola worked for several years as an Assistant Public Defender in Charleston County, S.C., where he tried multiple cases to verdict. Tola completed several legal internships prior to his work as a public defender, including assisting indigent clients through the Legal Aid of North Carolina nonprofit law firm, supporting legal services for immigrants through the Faith Action International House, and assisting with FOIA responses at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. While completing his Juris Doctor, he was an alumni ambassador and a recipient of the Dean’s Award. He also was active in the Black Law Students Association, Trial Advocacy Board, National Lawyers Guild, and the Guilford Inn of Court. Upon graduating he was selected to join the Order of the Barristers, a national honorary organization recognizing law school graduates who have demonstrated excellence in written and oral advocacy.
Tola currently serves on the Board of Directors for Charleston Legal Access and South Carolina for Criminal Justice Reform. An avid soccer player, Tola competed in the NCAA’s Little East Conference and mentors youths as a soccer coach.
Awards, Accolades & Recognitions
Best Lawyers
Charleston, SC
2025-2026 Ones to Watch list: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
2026 Ones to Watch list: Government Relations Practice
Blog Posts
November 11, 2024
A Thank You for Our Veterans
by: Joseph F. Rice
February 26, 2020
Decade in Review: Plaintiffs’ Litigation Highlights Causes, Not Just Cases
by: Joseph F. Rice
April 18, 2018
Southwest Airlines engine explosion - Why it could happen again Causes, Not Just Cases
by: Mary F. Schiavo
News
March 23, 2026
Two Pilots Killed in Late-Night Runway Collision at LaGuardia Airport
by: Motley Rice
February 25, 2026
What Causes Weather-Related Flight Hazards?
by:
James R. Brauchle
Olutola 'Tola' Familoni
