Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
87 Client Reviews
Free Consultation
$0 first 25 minutes
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John P Larochelle
also known as Larochelle Law, John P. Larochelle, Esquire
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About John
Biography
Achieving outstanding results for my clients is worth the time that it takes to be thoroughly prepared for aggressive advocacy. I am a former Rhode Island state prosecutor who has represented clients in complex and highly sensitive litigation matters in Rhode Island Family Court and in District, Superior, Supreme and Federal Court in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
For all legal matters, I review the facts and evidence, researching the law that is applicable to those facts. Thereafter, I give great consideration to making strategic and tactical decisions specific for each case. I discuss with you my proposed strategy, remaining open-minded to your input. Throughout the process, I am happy to answer all of your questions so that you know our plan and what to expect.
I am the most competitive attorney I know. I perform well under pressure. I don't give up; I find a way to win. I never save anything for the swim back.
In Family Court, I have litigated many types of cases, including Grandparents Rights, complex divorces, contentious child custody matters, and ordinary, less contentious divorce and custody situations. I am certified by the Rhode Island Family Court as a Guardian Ad Litem. In 2022, I received a Certificate in Child and Family Forensic Issues from the Center for Excellence for Children, Families, and the Law at William James College.
I prosecute and defend Restraining Order Motions and Protection from Abuse Orders in Family Court, District Court, and Superior Court.
In Criminal defense advocacy, I apply my extensive criminal law knowledge and experience to representing clients in all criminal matters - from serious felonies such as murder, sex crimes, and distribution of controlled substances – to misdemeanor cases such as domestic assaults and traffic-related offenses. I have litigated over one hundred DUI cases.
At my most recent jury trial, my co-counsel and I received a not-guilty verdict on all counts in a First Degree Sexual Assault case. The state's offer was fifteen years imprisonment. We fought back and won.
I represent clients in state and federal courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I am admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States of America. In 2021, in my latest appeallate case, I won on behalf of my client before the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
I have written and argued well-known cases before the Rhode Island Supreme Court, including prevailing against then-Attorney General (now U.S. Senator) Sheldon Whitehouse in the seminal case of Diane S. Cronan ex rel. State v. John J. Cronan 774 A.2d 866. I have also written and argued often-cited cases such as State v. Paull and State v. Chalk.
Call me at or to discuss your legal matter now at no cost.
Aggressive, Dedicated, and Experienced Family Law and Criminal Law representation.
Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Family
25%
Criminal Defense
23%
DUI and DWI
10%
Divorce and Separation
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 585-585 per hour
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2021
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 25 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Licensed in Rhode Island for 31 years
State: Rhode Island
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find John online.
John P Larochelle's Reviews
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Case Results (37)
Advocacy (31)
Responsiveness (22)
Professionalism (19)
Recommendation (19)
Communication Style (16)
Practice Area Knowledge (15)
Character & Conduct (13)
General Knowledge (11)
Compassion (7)
Trustworthiness (5)
Cost of Services (4)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 56 - 58 of 58 reviews
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family
Beyond-belief legal service - thank you, John!
I contacted John Larochelle about an emergency Family Court matter concerning my young child. I was astounded at John’s dedication to my crisis. I sent an email to him at 10:00 pm. I received John’s thorough response at 2:00 am. Not being able to sleep because of this stressful emergency, I replied b...
John Larochelle
Replied last April 16, 2020I am happy to give my clients top-of-the line five-star service by promptly and thoroughly responding to every inquiry, no matter what time of day it is. Thank you for writing such a wonderful review that showcases how hard I work for my clients.
Posted by Scott | February 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney
expungements
From the moment I met John, he was professional and sincere and displayed a lot of enthusiasm toward my case. He explained what needed to be done step by step until I was satisfied with what he told me. He handled the matter quickly and completely and I would highly recommend him to handle any and al...
John Larochelle
Replied last February 18, 2020I enjoyed meeting you and helping you to achieve an outstanding result that will change your life. You deserve this great outcome.
Posted by Robert | July 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
A Brilliant Advocate — But the Fight for What’s Right Isn’t Over
I hired Attorney John Larochelle because of his reputation as a highly competitive and sharp legal strategist. His confidence was reassuring—“I never save anything for the swim back.” was more than a motto; it felt like a promise that he’d fight as if the stakes were his own. In some ways, he deliver...
John Larochelle
Replied last August 06, 2025Robert, you are an intelligent and motivated person who has the ability to be a great father. I hope you will have the humility to complete the conditions the Family Court requires of you in order for you to re-establish a relationship with your son - even if you steadfastly believe you should not have to complete the many conditions the Court requires. I hope you will find it within yourself to undergo the transformation that will enable you to be the father, the mentor and the role model your son deserves. Regarding your claim that I let the Court consider a doctored image: The first time you ever mentioned a claim about a photo being doctored was not during our many hours of preparation, not during the trial, but many months later, in a January 2025 email to me. “Hi John, Thank you for confirming the date of psychiatric report. I remember specifically viewing the picture of my son with a shadow (not a black eye) in your office. I did not press you in that moment to dispute its authenticity- a grave oversight on my part as this approach could have quickly disproven [Mother’s] credibility and positioned her against Pettinato Factor 7.” In a 31 January 2025 email, you stated in pertinent part: “You had told me that [Mother] showed this picture to the GAL to prove that I had been physically abusive with my son- all while I knew that my son never experienced any bruising ever. I regret not being more vocal in that with you in your office at that moment with such an obvious smoking gun against [Mother’s] credibility. I suppose now is better than never." / To date, you have not produced one iota of evidence to substantiate your claim that the photo was doctored by Mother or by anyone. After posting the first negative review, you told me that unless I agreed to represent you again – this time for free – you would flame me on social media. I have one question for you, Robert: Why would you welcome and hope that a one-star lawyer would represent you again?
John P Larochelle's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly recommend John Larochelle for any case involving family law. He is a zealous advocate for his clients. He takes the time to explain any potential benefits and risks before embarking on a given task. He is thorough, detail-oriented, and very professional. As a result, he is extremely well-respected in the community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Larochelle is honest, hardworking, and comes with superior experience. I know him to be a tremendous advocate for his clients. His analytical and litigation skills are top-notch and he will always prepare each case as if he were going to trial, so as to get the best possible result every time. If I ever needed a lawyer, I would want John Larochelle fighting in my corner. -BVB."
"I endorse this lawyer. John is a top notch attorney. He is smart, diligent, thorough and available. I could not recommend him more highly."
"John Larochelle brings intense preparation and passionate advocacy to each case. He is aggressive, driven and motivated to achieve the optimal client outcome in every matter he handles. I strongly endorse John Larochelle for family law matters."
"Tireless, aggressive, always competent and caring. John's clients and his work are his priority. Working with John is professionally fulfilling and a learning experience."
"John Larochelle is an excellent lawyer. I have worked on countless cases with him and he is always prepared and achieves great results for clients under difficult circumstances. I fully endorse John Larochelle."
"John is an outstanding advocate in Family Court and consistently obtains terrific results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. John is an extremely dedicated and experienced lawyers. His attention to detail and responsiveness to clients allows clients to get through a very tough time."
Aaron Weisman
Appeals lawyer
Brett Beaubien
Appeals lawyer
David Morowitz
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Michael Kiselica
Wrongful death lawyer
Robert Mann
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Kerry Rafanelli
Marriage and prenuptials lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2025
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Ten Best Attorney, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2019
Silver Client Champion award, Martindale-Hubbell®
Work Experience
1997 - Present
Partner, Larochelle Law
1994 - 1997
Special Assistant Attorney General, Rhode Island Department Of Attorney General
Associations
2021 - Present
American Inns of CourtMember
2021 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsAttorney Member
2019 - Present
Rhode Island Bar Association, Technology in the Practice Committee
2019 - Present
Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2014 - Present
Rhode Island Bar Association, Family Court Bench/Bar CommitteeMember
1997 - Present
Rhode Island Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Diane S. Cronan ex rel State v. John J. Cronan 99-378-C.A.
Victory
State of Rhode Island vs Gary Paul 98-281-C.A.
Defendant released from RI ACI and served no further time in jail.
Education
1994
Suffolk University
J.D.
1991
University of Rhode Island
B.A. Economics; B.S. Finance
Speaking Engagements
2025
Inns of Court Continuing Legal Education
Special Masters and Commissioners in RI Family Court
2023
Inns of Court Continuing Legal Education
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
2023
Evidence in Family Law
Digital and Social Media Evidence Seminar Presentation
2022
Recent Expungement Law updates in Rhode Island
Expungement Law updates in Rhode Island
2020
Rhode Island Bar Association
Expungements
2013
Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting
Thriving in the competitive environments of Poker and Law
Publications
2019
Rhode Island Bar Journal
Clearing the Record: How to Seal Criminal Records and Expunge Criminal Convictions in Rhode Island
1994
Suffolk University Law School Center for Advanced Legal Studies
A Trustees Handbook
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Why can’t we see our grandchildren in ri?
05 Aug 2023
Q&A
Is it possible to change placement (if contested) to 50/50 when my visitation schedule is half of the week?
08 Feb 2023
Q&A
Can We fight restraining order?
15 Nov 2022