Atty. Stephen Lapatin
Stephen D. Lapatin is a litigator with a track record of success in high-profile and complex matters.
Profile Summary
About Stephen Lapatin at a glance
Stephen Lapatin is a business, litigation, and government attorney based in Providence, Rhode Island, practicing at Adler Pollock & Sheehan PC. They have 7+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2019. Admitted to practice in Rhode Island, Rhode Island Bar Association (2019) and Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association (2019). Educated at Roger Williams University (J.D., 2019). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice (2026). Serves clients in Providence, RI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Stephen D. Lapatin is a litigator with a track record of success in high-profile and complex matters
- He represents clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts state and federal courts in cases involving complex commercial and business litigation, employment and contract disputes, torts, and intellectual property litigation
- He also regularly appears before municipal zoning and planning boards throughout Rhode Island in land use and real estate matters at all stages of permitting and development
- Stephen also spearheads the firm’s government relations practice
- Drawing from his extensive legislative experience and relationships across state government, Stephen is a tireless advocate for his clients at the State House
- He works directly with lawmakers and government officials and regularly testifies before House and Senate committees on pending legislation
- As both an attorney and lobbyist, Stephen offers clients a dual perspective that helps uncover creative solutions to complex problems—whether through litigation, legislation, or a combination of both
- Before joining AP&S, Stephen served as a Law Clerk to Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg of the Rhode Island Supreme Court
- He graduated summa cum laude from Roger Williams University School of Law
- During law school, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review and Chair of the Honor Board and interned for Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. of the U.S
- District Court for the District of Rhode Island and Justice Francis X. Flaherty of the Rhode Island Supreme Court
- He was a student-athlete at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned his undergraduate degree in political science
Practice Areas Explained
Stephen Lapatin's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen Lapatin handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Stephen Lapatin is one of 452,854 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Rhode Island →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Stephen Lapatin is one of 409,070 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Rhode Island →
Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.
Stephen Lapatin is one of 118,414 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in Rhode Island →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Rhode Island
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.
Looking for additional Rhode Island attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Providence or all attorneys in Rhode Island.
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