Robert Ellis Smith, Esq, Civil Rights Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, General, and Litigation
MemberatRobert Ellis Smith
Providence, RI
Practicing civil rights in Providence since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Robert Ellis Smith, Esq is a member based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Litigation. Robert has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert Ellis Smith.
- Based in
- Providence, RI
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · General · Litigation
- Handles Civil Rights, General, and Litigation matters from Providence, RI.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Robert Ellis Smith, Esq: Robert Ellis Smith, Esq is a member based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Litigation. Robert has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert Ellis Smith.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Robert Ellis Smith, Esq
Robert concentrates on civil rights, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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General
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Litigation
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Civil Rights cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
General cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Robert Ellis Smith, Esq — Over 51 years of Rhode Island civil rights experience
Robert Ellis Smith, Esq is a member based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Litigation. Robert has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert Ellis Smith.
Robert Ellis Smith, Esq is a lawyer practicing privacy and publicity, civil litigation, first amendment law. Robert Ellis received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1962, and has been licensed for 51 years. Robert Ellis practices at Robert Ellis Smith in Providence, RI.
How Robert handles civil rights matters
Robert Ellis Smith, Esq is a lawyer practicing privacy and publicity, civil litigation, first amendment law. Robert Ellis received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1962, and has been licensed for 51 years. Robert Ellis practices at Robert Ellis Smith in Providence, RI.
The kind of cases Robert takes
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, general, and litigation matters in Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island area.
Credentials
Robert Ellis Smith, Esq's legal education and bar admissions
Georgetown University
J.D. · 1976
Harvard University
A.B. · 1962
Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
Rhode Island
1975 · ACTIVE
Robert studied at J.D. in Georgetown University and A.B. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in Georgetown University and A.B. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Rhode Island is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Office locations for Robert Ellis Smith, Esq in Providence, Rhode Island
Robert's primary office is at Providence, RI, 02908-0577. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert Ellis Smith, Esq
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Robert Ellis Smith, Esq — 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 Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert 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 Robert
Robert 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert'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 Robert Ellis Smith, Esq
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Robert'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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Providence?
Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Robert'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
Robert 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 Robert'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.





