Lawyers in Rhode Island

Finding a lawyer in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is small enough that a lawyer in Providence can be in a courtroom in Newport, Warwick or Woonsocket within the hour, and many firms serve the whole state. That makes practice area a more useful filter than location for most people. This directory groups Rhode Island law firms by what they do, with city listings for those who prefer an office nearby.

All attorneys here are admitted by the Rhode Island Supreme Court and belong to the Rhode Island Bar Association, a mandatory bar. The state's courts are divided by subject: the Superior Court hears larger civil cases and felonies, the District Court handles smaller civil matters, small claims and misdemeanors, the Family Court handles divorce, custody and juvenile matters, and the Workers' Compensation Court hears job-injury cases. Probate is handled by the cities and towns.

When you need a lawyer (and when you may not)

Contact a Rhode Island attorney promptly if you are charged with a crime or arrested for DUI, seriously injured in a crash or at work, served with Family Court papers, involved in an immigration case, or sued. Filing deadlines are set by state law, and claims against the state or a municipality have their own notice requirements.

Small claims in District Court are designed for people without lawyers, and simple traffic matters handled by the Traffic Tribunal are usually manageable alone. Even so, the first conversation with a lawyer is often free or inexpensive, and it can reveal problems that are not obvious from the paperwork.

Common practice areas in Rhode Island

• Personal Injury and Car Accident — crash, fall and premises claims against drivers, property owners and insurers, typically on a contingency fee.
• Family & Divorce — divorce, custody, child support, alimony and adoption in the Family Court.
• Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI — defense in District and Superior Court, including DUI and the related license cases.
• Workers' Compensation — job-injury claims before the Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Court.
• Immigration — a federal practice covering visas, family petitions, naturalization and removal defense.
• Bankruptcy — a federal practice filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island.
• Estate Planning & Probate — wills, trusts and estate administration through municipal probate courts.
• Real Estate — closings, title issues, condominium and coastal property matters, and landlord-tenant disputes.
• Employment, Business and Social Security Disability — workplace claims, business formation and contracts, and federal disability appeals.

Medical Malpractice, Tax, Intellectual Property, Civil Rights and Traffic Ticket firms are listed as well.

How to check a lawyer's license in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Supreme Court maintains the roll of attorneys and provides an online lookup that shows whether a lawyer is active and in good standing. Lawyer discipline is handled by the Supreme Court's Disciplinary Board and Disciplinary Counsel, and public sanctions are issued by the court.

The Rhode Island Bar Association's member directory is a second place to confirm the same information. If you cannot find a name, ask for the bar number. Lawyers admitted only in Massachusetts or Connecticut generally cannot appear in Rhode Island courts without special permission, even though many practice within a short drive of the state line.

How to choose a law firm

Because Rhode Island's courts are divided by subject, ask which court will hear your matter and how often the lawyer appears there. Ask about recent, similar cases and who at the firm will handle the day-to-day work.

Clarify fees in writing. Rhode Island lawyers use contingency fees for injury and workers' compensation cases, hourly billing for most family, business and real estate matters, and flat fees for defined services. Ask which costs are separate and how billing statements are sent.

Questions to ask at the first consultation

1. How many matters like mine have you handled in this court?
2. Who will be my primary contact at the firm?
3. How do you charge, and which costs are billed separately?
4. What deadlines or notice requirements apply to my case?
5. What are the realistic outcomes, good and bad?
6. What should I collect or avoid doing now?
7. How will you communicate with me, and how quickly?

Free and low-cost legal help

Rhode Island Legal Services provides free civil legal help to lower-income residents in housing, family, consumer and benefits matters, and the Rhode Island Judiciary offers self-help information and forms for people representing themselves.

The Rhode Island Bar Association operates a Lawyer Referral Service that arranges a low-cost initial consultation with a private attorney and includes reduced-fee options for people of limited income. Roger Williams University School of Law, the state's only law school, runs clinics in which supervised students handle selected cases.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Rhode Island attorney about your situation.