Atty. Stephen Lapatin
Stephen D. Lapatin is a litigator with a track record of success in high-profile and complex matters.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Providence, RI · 7+ Years Experience
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 Lapatin
- 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 Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen Lapatin handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Providence.
Business & Corporate Law in Providence
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Stephen Lapatin 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.
Stephen Lapatin is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Rhode Island →
Government & Administrative Law in Providence
Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.
Stephen Lapatin is one of 131,162 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government 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 Stephen Lapatin
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 Stephen Lapatin's practice in the field of business, litigation, and government.
7+ Years of Legal Practice
With 7 years in the profession, Stephen Lapatin has developed the procedural fluency and courtroom instincts that come from handling real cases under real deadlines.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Rhode Island, Rhode Island Bar Association and Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association, Stephen Lapatin can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, litigation, and government, Stephen Lapatin 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 Stephen Lapatin 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 Stephen Lapatin Handles in Providence
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Stephen Lapatin 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 Stephen Lapatin directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Stephen Lapatin Online
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Stephen Lapatin's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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