Bio
Laura A. Nicholson is an Associate in DarrowEverett’s Private Client Group specializing in civil and criminal law, business litigation and family court litigation. As part of her civil, criminal and family law practice, she is uniquely equipped to handle restraining orders/no contact orders, Department of Children Youth, and Families investigations, child advocacy interviews, and any criminal investigations that may arise, due to her 12 years as an Assistant Attorney General within the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. During her tenure as an AAG, she handled a wide range of matters from domestic violence and child abuse to manslaughter. Additionally, she spent significant time working in the Child Abuse and Special Victims units, where she collaborated closely with the Rhode Island DCYF, and has developed strong relationships with local and state police, Hasbro Hospital and the Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr. Child Protection Center, and DayOne/child advocacy centers.
Her extensive jury 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 worked for a highly regarded Boston-based law firm, where she handled family court litigation, representing clients in divorces, child custody cases, DCYF investigations and restraining orders. Additionally, she worked on complex civil cases on behalf of child victims of abuse, including high-profile cases concerning 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.
Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch (2026)
Practice Areas
- Civil and Criminal Law
- Family Law
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, Associate Laura Nicholson successfully secured the dismissal of 1st 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 is now assisting in fully reuniting her client with her child.
- In Rhode Island Superior Court, successfully secured the dismissal of two felony charges alongside Nick Hemond for a client facing allegations of taking property under false pretenses and alleged financial exploitation of an elder. Through witness statements and supporting affidavits, 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 owner’s adjacent business from conducting operations that unreasonably interfere with our clients’ enjoyment of their own property and from filming or otherwise harassing them.
Insights
Media
- 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)