J. Richard Ratcliffe

Attorney Profile
Top Rated General Litigation Attorney in Providence, RI
Providence, RI 02903
- General Litigation (50%),
- Criminal Defense (20%),
- Civil Litigation: Plaintiff (10%),
- Business Litigation (10%),
- Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI (10%)
Mr. Ratcliffe is an accomplished trial lawyer, who defends individuals and corporations either charged with crimes or under investigation. His criminal defense practice embraces a wide range of matters in both state and federal courts, including serious white collar offenses, felonies and misdemeanors. Mr. Ratcliffe who also represents clients involved in various types of business litigation, including shareholder disputes, breach of contract, and trademark and copyright infringement actions.
After earning his Juris Doctorate from Washington University and bachelor's degree in economics and mathematics from Providence College, Mr. Ratcliffe clerked for Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Donald F. Shea. He later prosecuted narcotics, white-collar and public corruption cases as a Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General and cross-designated Special Assistant United States Attorney.
Mr. Ratcliffe is a coauthor of A Practical Guide to Superior Court Practice in Rhode Island, published by MCLE New England. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Rhode Island Bar Association and is the President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Mr. Ratcliffe currently serves on the boards of Justice Assistance and McAuley House.
About Richard Ratcliffe
Admitted: 1981, Rhode Island
Professional Webpage: http://rhgllp.com/j-richard-ratcliffe/
Bar/Professional Activity:
- 2015
- Executive Committee of the Rhode Island Bar Association; President of the RI Chapter of the Federal Bar Association; Executive Committee of the Pro Bono Collaborative
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Pro Bono Collaberative, Executive Committee; Justice Assistance, Secretary; McAuley Misistries, Treasurer
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- This chapter of Rhode Island Superior Court Practice, published by MCLE, provides an overview of procedural considerations relative to criminal practice in the Rhode Island Superior Court. It begins with information on initial considerations, and follows the trial matters through client and jury issues, arrest, bail, arraignment issues, plea agreements, and trial., Author, A Practical Guide to Superior Court Practice in Rhode Island, Chapter 15 Criminal Practice: An Overview, 2015
Verdicts/Settlements:
- This case arose out of a disciplinary proceeding in which Brown University found John Doe responsible for sexual misconduct against fellow student. The court determined that the University had breached its contract with Doe, which were contained in the Code of Student Conduct. It granted injunctive relief, allowing Doe to return to school.
Additional Sources of Information About J. Richard Ratcliffe
J. Richard Ratcliffe:
Last Updated: 12/29/2020