Paul Thomson Cotter, Business Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island
Over 14 years of legal practice · focused on Business and M&A
AssociateatLocke Lord LLP
Providence, RI
Practicing business in Providence since 2012.
- 14+
- Years practicing
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Paul Thomson Cotter?
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Quick answer
Paul Thomson Cotter is an associate based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Paul has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP.
- Based in
- Providence, RI
- Experience
- over 14 years
- Known for
- Business · M&A
- Handles Business and M&A matters from Providence, RI.
- Over 14 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Paul Thomson Cotter: Paul Thomson Cotter is an associate based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Paul has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Paul takes on
Paul concentrates on business and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Paul takes business 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Paul takes m&a 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Paul Thomson Cotter — business lawyer in Providence
Paul Thomson Cotter is an associate based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Paul has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP.
Paul Thomson Cotter is a lawyer practicing corporate, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions and 1 other area of law. Paul received a B.A., Biology degree from Providence College in 2006, and has been licensed for 14 years. Paul practices at Locke Lord LLP in Providence, RI.
Paul's approach to business cases
Paul Thomson Cotter is a lawyer practicing corporate, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions and 1 other area of law. Paul received a B.A., Biology degree from Providence College in 2006, and has been licensed for 14 years. Paul practices at Locke Lord LLP in Providence, RI.
Clients Paul works with
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and m&a matters in Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Washington University School of Law
J.D. · 2012
Providence College
B.A. · 2006
Jurisdictions
Paul's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court
2013 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
2013 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
2012 · ACTIVE
Rhode Island
2012 · ACTIVE
Paul studied at J.D. in Washington University School of Law and B.A. in Providence College.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed J.D. in Washington University School of Law and B.A. in Providence College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Rhode Island is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Paul Thomson Cotter's office in Providence
Paul's primary office is at 2800 Financial Plaza, Providence, RI, 02903. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Paul Thomson Cotter
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No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Paul Thomson Cotter — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Providence, Rhode Island
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Paul
Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Paul Thomson Cotter
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Rhode Island typically take?
Simple business 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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Providence?
Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new business clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Providence, Warwick and Cranston in Rhode Island
Paul handles business matters throughout Rhode Island. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Rhode Island
If Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Providence handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





