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Diana M. Ducharme, Business Attorney in Cranston, Rhode Island

Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Real Estate

Ducharme Law LLC

Cranston, RI

Practicing business in Cranston since 1990.

36+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Diana M. Ducharme is an attorney based in Cranston, RHODE ISLAND. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Diana has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ducharme Law LLC.

Based in
Cranston, RHODE ISLAND
Experience
over 36 years
Known for
Business · Real Estate
  • Handles Business and Real Estate matters from Cranston, RHODE ISLAND.
  • Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Finance Law (Providence) (2025).

About Diana M. Ducharme: Diana M. Ducharme is an attorney based in Cranston, RHODE ISLAND. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Diana has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ducharme Law LLC.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Diana M. Ducharme

Diana concentrates on business and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Diana handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Cranston, Rhode Island

Diana takes business matters in Cranston, 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 Diana agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Cranston, Rhode Island

Diana takes real estate matters in Cranston, 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 Diana agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Diana M. Ducharme — Over 36 years of Rhode Island business experience

Diana M. Ducharme is an attorney based in Cranston, RHODE ISLAND. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Diana has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ducharme Law LLC.

Diana M. Ducharme is the Founder and sole member of Ducharme Law LLC, a Rhode Island women-owned business law firm. She practices in the area of commercial real estate finance, development and leasing, representing a broad range of clients on a variety of projects.

Diana's real estate finance practice is focused on the representation of regional financial institutions in all aspects of commercial real estate finance, including construction and term lending, participations and syndications. On the real estate development and leasing side, Diana represents owners, borrowers, developers, tenants and landlords in such matters as the acquisition, sale, financing, development and leasing of commercial office, retail, mixed-use and industrial projects.

Diana also has experience in the development of electric generating facilities, including gas-fired, solar and wind projects. Diana was a member of the legal development team for the nation’s first off-shore wind farm.

Ms. Ducharme has been peer rated by Martindale-Hubbard as AV Preeminent®, has been recognized by Best Lawyers® in the area of Commercial Finance Law and was recognized in 2019 as a Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year"® in Commercial Finance. Diana is a Fellow and former Rhode Island State Chair of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys®. Additionally, she has written and lecturedon legal topics relating primarily to commercial real estate and finance.

Diana earned her J.D. from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in 1990 and her B.A. from Providence College in 1987. She is admitted to the bars of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island.

Prior to founding Ducharme Law, Diana was a founding member of Cervenka, Green & Ducharme LLC (2017 to 2025) and was prior to then a partner in the Real Estate Department of Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP, a northeast regional law firm.

How Diana handles business matters

Diana M. Ducharme is the Founder and sole member of Ducharme Law LLC, a Rhode Island women-owned business law firm. She practices in the area of commercial real estate finance, development and leasing, representing a broad range of clients on a variety of projects. Diana's real estate finance practice is focused on the representation of regional financial institutions in all aspects of commercial…

The kind of cases Diana takes

Diana reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and real estate matters in Cranston and the surrounding Rhode Island area.

Credentials

Diana M. Ducharme's legal education and bar admissions

  • Villanova University

    J.D. · 1990

  • Providence College

    BA · 1987

Jurisdictions

Diana's state bar admissions

  • Massachusetts

    1991 · ACTIVE

  • Rhode Island

    1990 · ACTIVE

Diana studied at J.D. in Villanova University and BA in Providence College.

Law school and academic background

Diana completed J.D. in Villanova University and BA in Providence College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Diana runs in Rhode Island is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Diana M. Ducharme

Diana has received 16 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Finance Law (Providence)

    2025

  • Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Finance Law (Providence)

    2023

  • Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Finance Law (Providence)

    2020

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Named in

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Forbes

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — "America's Best-in-State-Lawyers" for Real Estate Law in Rhode Island

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Ranked in

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Chambers and Partners

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — for Real Estate (Band 2) and Corporate/Commercial (Band 3)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Providence Business News

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Recipient in Legal Services - 2021 Business Women Awards

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Finance Law (Providence) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Finance Law (Providence) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Finance Law (Providence) (2020). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026).

Locations

Diana M. Ducharme's office in Cranston

Diana's primary office is at 148 Atwood Avenue, Suite 315, Cranston, Rhode Island, 02920. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ducharme Law LLC

148 Atwood Avenue, Suite 315

Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Diana M. Ducharme

Diana has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Diana M. Ducharme — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Diana usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Diana charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diana'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; Diana will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Cranston, 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 Diana

Diana 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. Diana confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Diana'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 Diana M. Ducharme

  • How much does it cost to hire Diana for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Diana walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Diana offer a free consultation?

    Diana charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diana's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Diana'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. Diana gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Diana take my case if I'm outside Cranston?

    Diana 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 — Diana 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 Diana?

    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. Diana will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Diana accepting new business clients right now?

    Diana'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 Cranston, Providence and Warwick in Rhode Island

Diana 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

If Diana's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Cranston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.