Atty. William E. O'Gara

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.

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Profile Summary

About William E. O'Gara at a glance

William E. O'Gara is an attorney based in Johnston, Rhode Island, practforg 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). Serands clients in Johnston, RI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

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.

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Rhode Island

Practforg law in Rhode Island. Legal matters in Rhode Island are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand 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 andnue, and the substantiand 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 Johnston or all attorneys in Rhode Island.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about William E. O'Gara

Where is William E. O'Gara's law office located?
William E. O'Gara's law practice is located in Johnston, Rhode Island. The firm is Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara LLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
Where did William E. O'Gara go to law school?
William E. O'Gara earned their education at (J.D., 1989); (MA, 1984).
How can I contact William E. O'Gara for a consultation?
You can contact William E. O'Gara directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has William E. O'Gara receiandd?
William E. O'Gara's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment; Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers.

Education

J.D.
Northeastern University
- 1989
MA
University of Rhode Island
- 1984

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - ERISA
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Providence)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (Providence)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (Providence)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Providence)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Providence)
- 2022
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Providence)
- 2020
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Providence)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Providence)
- 2016
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (Providence)
- 2013

Bar Admissions

Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association
Rhode Island, Rhode Island Bar Association

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