Nicole J. Benjamin

Nicole Benjamin is an accomplished trial and appellate lawyer who represents public and private companies in complex disputes and high-stakes litigation across the country.

She has successfully tried cases to verdict in Rhode Island state and federal court and argued appeals before the Rhode Island Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and other federal courts of appeals. Nicole draws on her experience as lead law clerk to then-Chief Justice Frank J. Williams of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Nicole's commercial litigation practice includes contract, business tort, fiduciary, and employment disputes. She defends manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors against products liability and toxic tort claims in Rhode Island state and federal court, with particular emphasis on aviation and aerospace clients. She also routinely represents state and municipal government in significant matters of public importance.

Clients turn to Nicole when litigation presents significant financial, operational, reputational, or precedent-setting risk. She is known for disciplined preparation, responsiveness, and the precision of her arguments.

At AP&S, she chairs the firm's Products Liability, Toxic Tort & Mass Torts and Appellate Practice Groups. She also serves on the firm’s executive committee where her focus is on the firm’s future and leveraging innovative technology to deliver high-quality, cost-effective legal solutions.

Nicole was named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America in 2025 and 2026 for her defense work, and was named Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year for Appellate Practice in Providence in 2023 and 2026.

Nicole is a leader in the legal profession and the Rhode Island community. She recently served as President of the Rhode Island Bar Association where she launched a Leadership Academy to cultivate the next generation of bar leaders. She is the first alumna to chair the Board of Directors of Roger Williams University School of Law, Rhode Island’s only law school, and serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Roger Williams University in her hometown of Bristol, Rhode Island. She is also a past board chair of Leadership Rhode Island.

Nationally, Nicole is a director of the invitation-only Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel and co-chaired its 2025 Corporate Counsel Symposium. She has been inducted into the Litigation Counsel of America. She also serves on the Executive Council of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and is a member of the American Bar Association and a fellow of the American Bar Foundation.