James Tobak, Civil Rights Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Elder Law, and Government · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatAbrams & Verri
Providence, RI
Practicing civil rights in Providence since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James Tobak?
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Quick answer
James Tobak is a member based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Elder Law, and Government. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Abrams & Verri. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Providence, RI
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Elder Law · Government
- Handles Civil Rights, Elder Law, and Government matters from Providence, RI.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Tobak: James Tobak is a member based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Elder Law, and Government. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Abrams & Verri. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on civil rights, elder law, government, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Elder Law
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Government
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Civil Rights cases in Providence, Rhode Island
James takes civil rights matters in Providence, Rhode Island. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Providence, Rhode Island
James takes elder law matters in Providence, Rhode Island. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Providence, Rhode Island
James takes government matters in Providence, Rhode Island. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Providence, Rhode Island
James takes litigation matters in Providence, Rhode Island. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Providence, Rhode Island
James takes personal injury matters in Providence, Rhode Island. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Tobak — civil rights lawyer in Providence
James Tobak is a member based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Elder Law, and Government. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Abrams & Verri. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Tobak is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, civil rights, elder law and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Lehigh University in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices at Abrams & Verri in Providence, RI.
How James handles civil rights matters
James Tobak is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, civil rights, elder law and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Lehigh University in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices at Abrams & Verri in Providence, RI.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, elder law, and government matters in Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Stanford University
J.D. · 1972
Lehigh University
B.A. Stanford · 1968
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Rhode Island
1976 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1975 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Stanford University and B.A. Stanford in Lehigh University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Stanford University and B.A. Stanford in Lehigh University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Rhode Island is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Rhode Island and Massachusetts Bar Associations Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
James Tobak's office in Providence
James's primary office is at 999 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, RI, 02908-4235. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Tobak — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Providence.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Tobak claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Tobak — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Providence, Rhode Island
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Tobak
How much does it cost to hire James for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Rhode Island typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Providence?
James is licensed in Rhode Island. Matters governed by Rhode Island law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new civil rights clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Providence, Warwick and Cranston in Rhode Island
James handles civil rights matters throughout Rhode Island. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Rhode Island
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Providence handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





