Atty. John A. Macfadyen
John A. Macfadyen is a lawyer practicing appellate law, criminal law, criminal defense and 2 other areas of law.
Appellate Law & More Attorney · Serving Providence, RI · 52+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About John A. Macfadyen at a Glance
John A. Macfadyen is an Attorney based in Providence, Rhode Island, practicing at MacFadyen, Gescheidt & O'Brien. They have 52+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1974. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, business, litigation, civil rights, and appellate. Admitted to practice in Rhode Island (1974), Massachusetts (1974), U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island (1975), and U.S. Supreme Court (1978). Educated at Boston University (J.D., 1974) and Harvard University (A.B., 1970). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Boston, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Bar Associations. Serves clients in Providence, RI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John A. Macfadyen
- John A. Macfadyen is a lawyer practicing appellate law, criminal law, criminal defense and 2 other areas of law
- John received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years
- John practices at MacFadyen, Gescheidt & O'Brien in Providence, RI
Practice Areas Explained
John A. Macfadyen's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John A. Macfadyen handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Providence.
Criminal Defense in Providence
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
John A. Macfadyen is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Rhode Island →
Business & Corporate Law in Providence
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
John A. Macfadyen is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Rhode Island →
Civil Litigation in Providence
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
John A. Macfadyen is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Rhode Island →
Civil Rights in Providence
Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.
John A. Macfadyen is one of 69,634 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights attorneys in Rhode Island →
Appellate Practice in Providence
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
John A. Macfadyen is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Rhode Island →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Providence
Practicing law in Rhode Island. Legal matters in Rhode Island are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Providence are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Rhode Island state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Rhode Island brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Rhode Island courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Providence Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Providence-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Rhode Island attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Providence or all attorneys in Rhode Island.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Providence Choose John A. Macfadyen
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John A. Macfadyen's practice in the field of criminal defense, business, litigation, civil rights, and appellate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
John A. Macfadyen brings 52+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island, John A. Macfadyen can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense, business, and litigation, John A. Macfadyen can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Providence
A Providence-based practice means John A. Macfadyen attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues John A. Macfadyen Handles in Providence
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John A. Macfadyen has experience with under Rhode Island law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John A. Macfadyen directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find John A. Macfadyen Online
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John A. Macfadyen's Practice Areas & Specializations
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