Recognized in Ones to Watch since 2026 
Laura A. Nicholson is a member of DarrowEverett’s Private Client Group specializing in civil and criminal law, business litigation, and family court litigation — with particular emphasis on domestic relations cases at the intersection of criminal and family law. As part of her civil, criminal, and family law practice, she is uniquely equipped to handle divorces, civil restraining orders, no contact orders, Department of Children Youth, and Families investigations, felony and misdemeanor charges, and complex civil litigation matters that may arise.
Laura’s criminal defense capabilities are rooted in 12 years as an Assistant Attorney General within the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, where she handled matters ranging from domestic violence and child abuse to manslaughter. She spent significant time in the Child Abuse and Special Victims units, collaborating closely with Rhode Island DCYF, local and state police, Hasbro Hospital, the Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr. Child Protection Center, and DayOne/child advocacy centers.
This prosecutorial background gives her an uncommon advantage in criminal defense — she understands precisely how the state builds its cases, and she uses that knowledge to dismantle them.
Her extensive jury and bench trial and courtroom experience vastly outweighs that of many civil, criminal, and family law attorneys. With this deep expertise and established network, Laura possesses wide-ranging and specialized qualifications that support all of her clients’ needs, especially in complex cases that go beyond standard divorce and family law matters.
Prior ExperiencePrior to joining the DarrowEverett team, Laura practiced at a highly regarded Boston-based law firm, where she handled family court litigation-divorces, child custody cases, DCYF investigations and restraining orders-as well as complex civil cases on behalf of child victims of abuse, including high-profile cases involving teachers and coaches. As part of her business and civil litigation practice, she represented a marina in a case of littoral rights against the City of Newport. As part of her criminal practice, she has negotiated and secured major reductions in both charging and sentencing for her clients.
