Atty. William E. O'Gara
William E. O'Gara is Managing Principal of Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara LLC, whose practice focuses on employment and labor law and mediating disputes.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law & More Attorney · Serving Johnston, RI
Profile Summary
About William E. O'Gara at a Glance
William E. O'Gara is a employment, workers comp, and litigation attorney based in Johnston, Rhode Island, practicing at Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara LLC. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association and Rhode Island, Rhode Island Bar Association. Educated at Northeastern University (J.D., 1989) and University of Rhode Island (MA, 1984). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Serves clients in Johnston, RI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About William E. O'Gara
William E. O'Gara is Managing Principal of Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara LLC, whose practice focuses on employment and labor law and mediating disputes. With over 25 years of experience, Attorney O'Gara has handled a wide range of cases including employment discrimination, wage and hour claims and sexual harassment claims. Attorney O'Gara also assists clients with traditional labor law matters, ranging from contract negotiations to arbitration. As a trusted advisor, Attorney O'Gara works with clients on a daily basis regarding a wide array of employment issues that arise without warning and that employers confront. As an experienced practitioner, Attorney O'Gara has successfully mediated a wide range of disputes both at the pre-litigation stage and before trial. He also provides training for managers and supervisors on employment-related issues.
Among the industries he represents include:
- Health Care
- Education
- Social Service Providers
- Construction
- Warehousing and Distribution
- Technology
Attorney O'Gara earned his J.D. from Northeastern University and his Master's in Industrial Relations from the University of Rhode Island. Attorney O'Gara leads the firm's Employment and Litigation Teams, and is a member of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island bars, representing clients before administrative agencies and state and federal courts.
Practice Areas Explained
William E. O'Gara's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William E. O'Gara handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Johnston.
Employment Law in Johnston
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
William E. O'Gara is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Rhode Island →
Workers Compensation in Johnston
Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.
William E. O'Gara is one of 54,932 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Rhode Island →
Civil Litigation in Johnston
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
William E. O'Gara is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Rhode Island →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Johnston
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 Johnston 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.
Johnston Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Johnston-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 Johnston or all attorneys in Rhode Island.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Johnston Choose William E. O'Gara
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 William E. O'Gara's practice in the field of employment, workers comp, and litigation.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association and Rhode Island, Rhode Island Bar Association, William E. O'Gara can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering employment, workers comp, and litigation, William E. O'Gara can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Johnston
A Johnston-based practice means William E. O'Gara 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 William E. O'Gara Handles in Johnston
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters William E. O'Gara 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 William E. O'Gara directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find William E. O'Gara Online
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William E. O'Gara's Practice Areas & Specializations
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