Richard Small, Business Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and M&A · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PartneratLocke Lord LLP
Providence, RI
Practicing business in Providence since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Richard Small?
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Quick answer
Richard Small is a partner based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Richard has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Providence, RI
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Business · General · M&A
- Handles Business, General, and M&A matters from Providence, RI.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard Small: Richard Small is a partner based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Richard has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Richard Small
Richard concentrates on business, general, m&a, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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M&A
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Securities
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Business cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
General cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Richard takes general 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Richard takes securities 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Richard Small — Over 49 years of Rhode Island business experience
Richard Small is a partner based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Richard has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Richard Small is a lawyer practicing business law, mergers & acquisitions, private equity and 3 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from Williams College in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Richard practices at Locke Lord LLP in Providence, RI and 1 other location.
How Richard handles business matters
Richard Small is a lawyer practicing business law, mergers & acquisitions, private equity and 3 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from Williams College in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Richard practices at Locke Lord LLP in Providence, RI and 1 other location.
Who Richard represents
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and m&a matters in Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island area.
Credentials
Richard Small's legal education and bar admissions
Boston University
LL.M. · 1979
Williams College
B.A. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
Rhode Island
1979 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1977 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at LL.M. in Boston University and B.A. in Williams College.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed LL.M. in Boston University and B.A. in Williams College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Rhode Island is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Richard Small
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Richard's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships Rhode Island Bar Association Massachusetts Bar Association Boston Bar Association Association for Corporate Growth, Boston Chapter
membership
Locations
Richard Small's office in Providence
Richard'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 Richard Small — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Providence.
4.9
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard Small claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard Small — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard 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 Richard
Richard 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard'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 Richard Small
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Richard'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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Providence?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new business clients right now?
Richard'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
Richard 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 Richard'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.

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Barbara A. O'Donnell
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