Stephen Lapatin

Stephen D. Lapatin is a litigator with a track record of success in high-profile and complex matters. He represents clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts state and federal courts in cases involving complex commercial and business litigation, employment and contract disputes, torts, and intellectual property litigation. He also regularly appears before municipal zoning and planning boards throughout Rhode Island in land use and real estate matters at all stages of permitting and development.

Stephen also spearheads the firm’s government relations practice. Drawing from his extensive legislative experience and relationships across state government, Stephen is a tireless advocate for his clients at the State House. He works directly with lawmakers and government officials and regularly testifies before House and Senate committees on pending legislation. As both an attorney and lobbyist, Stephen offers clients a dual perspective that helps uncover creative solutions to complex problems—whether through litigation, legislation, or a combination of both.

Before joining AP&S, Stephen served as a Law Clerk to Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He graduated summa cum laude from Roger Williams University School of Law. During law school, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review and Chair of the Honor Board and interned for Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island and Justice Francis X. Flaherty of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He was a student-athlete at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned his undergraduate degree in political science.