Bio
Laura A. Nicholson is a member of DarrowEverett’s Private Client Group specializing in civil and criminal law, business litigation, and family court litigation — with particular emphasis on domestic relations cases at the intersection of criminal and family law. As part of her civil, criminal, and family law practice, she is uniquely equipped to handle divorces, civil restraining orders, no contact orders, Department of Children Youth, and Families investigations, felony and misdemeanor charges, and complex civil litigation matters that may arise.
Laura’s criminal defense capabilities are rooted in 12 years as an Assistant Attorney General within the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, where she handled matters ranging from domestic violence and child abuse to manslaughter. She spent significant time in the Child Abuse and Special Victims units, collaborating closely with Rhode Island DCYF, local and state police, Hasbro Hospital, the Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr. Child Protection Center, and DayOne/child advocacy centers.
This prosecutorial background gives her an uncommon advantage in criminal defense — she understands precisely how the state builds its cases, and she uses that knowledge to dismantle them.
Her extensive jury and bench trial and courtroom experience vastly outweighs that of many civil, criminal, and family law attorneys. With this deep expertise and established network, Laura possesses wide-ranging and specialized qualifications that support all of her clients’ needs, especially in complex cases that go beyond standard divorce and family law matters.
Prior Experience
Prior to joining the DarrowEverett team, Laura practiced at a highly regarded Boston-based law firm, where she handled family court litigation-divorces, child custody cases, DCYF investigations and restraining orders-as well as complex civil cases on behalf of child victims of abuse, including high-profile cases involving teachers and coaches. As part of her business and civil litigation practice, she represented a marina in a case of littoral rights against the City of Newport. As part of her criminal practice, she has negotiated and secured major reductions in both charging and sentencing for her clients.
Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch (2026)
- Professional Excellence in Law award from Rhode Island Monthly
Practice Areas
- Civil and Criminal Law
- Family Law
- White Collar Crime, Government Investigations & Criminal Defense
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Education
- Boston University Law School, J.D., Litigation and Dispute Resolution Concentration
- Tulane University, B.A.,
International Relations & Political Economy
Involvement
- Junior League of RI
- Chi Omega Sorority Alumna Association
Representative Matters
- In Rhode Island Superior Court, Laura secured the outright dismissal of first-degree child abuse charges against her client. Drawing on her prior experience as a prosecutor in the Attorney General’s Office and her work within its child abuse unit, Nicholson presented clear medical evidence and reports that led to the dismissal of all charges. Nicholson assisted in fully reuniting her client with her child.
- Alongside colleague Nick Hemond, Laura secured the dismissal of two felony charges in Rhode Island Superior Court for a client facing allegations of taking property under false pretenses and alleged financial exploitation of an elder. Through witness statements and supporting affidavits, she demonstrated the claims were unfounded- resulting in outright dismissal by the Attorney General’s office.
- Secured an important victory for her clients in a high-profile private nuisance case in Rhode Island Superior Court, gaining a preliminary injunction that bars an adjacent business owner from conducting operations that unreasonably interfere with our clients’ enjoyment of their own property and from filming or otherwise harassing them.
Insights
Media
- Article: TMI: How Your Client’s Need for Likes Is Hurting Their Case, Via Attorney at Work (Feb. 2026)
- Michele Rothgeb gets 18 years in death of daughter, neglect of others (providencejournal.com)
- Michele Rothgeb admits to manslaughter in death of daughter (providencejournal.com)
- State worker out of a job in wake of child porn case | WPRI.com
- Man charged with arson in Foster fire | WPRI.com
- Pawtucket man, 73, sentenced to life in prison for raping 5-year-old girl (providencejournal.com)
- Neronha puts stamp on attorney general’s office (providencejournal.com)