Diana M. Ducharme, Business Attorney in Cranston, Rhode Island
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Real Estate
Cranston, RI
Practicing business in Cranston since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Diana M. Ducharme?
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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.
Ducharme Law LLC
148 Atwood Avenue, Suite 315
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
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Client reviews of Diana M. Ducharme
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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.
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