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Mitchell R. Edwards

Partner Providence

Mitchell is a problem solver. Whether you are dealing with a complicated commercial litigation matter or are trying to avoid one from being filed, Mitchell’s practice and substantial experience can help your most significant matters. In fact, clients retain Mitchell to handle matters throughout the country. In almost 25 years of practice, he has litigated cases in 17 states and the Virgin Islands because Mitchell’s clients value the judgment, skill, and thoughtfulness that he brings to every case and problem.

Mitchell’s experience is broad and deep — representing financial institutions, health care concerns, energy companies, and real estate interests. In product liability and toxic tort actions, he represents manufacturers and distributors. Mitchell also represents banks and financial institutions in class action lawsuits, breach of contract, fraud, fiduciary duty, and other tort claims.

Product Liability and Toxic Tort Litigation

Mitchell has extensive experience litigating product liability and toxic tort cases. Mitchell is national coordinating counsel for a manufacturer managing the defense of thousands of asbestos cases around the country. He also routinely represents manufacturers, distributors, and premises defendants in asbestos matters throughout New England. He represented a catalyst manufacturer in 87 pneumoconiosis cases in the Virgin Islands arising out of alleged exposure at an oil refinery. Mitchell also represents manufacturers, distributors, and sellers against allegations of product contamination, product expiration, and product defects.

Real Estate Litigation

Mitchell has represented many clients to protect their real estate interests. He successfully represented clients before zoning boards and on appeals from zoning board decisions. He regularly represents clients in landlord-tenant disputes. He also routinely handles mechanic’s lien disputes, as well as trespass and adverse possession cases.

Gaming Litigation

Mitchell has represented gaming companies in a variety of matters. Mitchell obtained summary judgment for a manufacturer of lottery equipment in a multi-million dollar breach of contract claim. He also obtained summary judgment for a casino when a Native American tribe challenged the constitutionality of a statute that authorized table games at the casino. He also obtained summary judgment for a casino when a plaintiff challenged the constitutionality of sports betting in Rhode Island.

Commercial Litigation

Mitchell is co-chair of Hinckley Allen’s Complex Commercial Litigation practice. He has extensive experience in litigating commercial disputes involving claims of breach of contract, fraud, fiduciary duties, and other business torts. He has also successfully defended companies against shareholder disputes.

Construction Litigation

Mitchell has handled several construction matters in multiple states. These matters have included defective construction product claims, warranty claims, breach of construction contract disputes, as well as project delay claims.

Employment Litigation

Mitchell represents employers in discrimination cases as well as non-compete and trade secret litigation.

Experience

Reported Cases

  • Sanchez v. Brown University, 2023 WL 8092265 (D. R.I. Nov. 21, 2023)
  • Pepper v. Brown University, 2023 WL 7215709 (D. R.I. Nov. 2, 2023)
  • U-Nest Holdings, Inc. v. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC, 2023 WL 6172080 (1st Cir. Sept. 22, 2023)
  • U-Nest Holdings, Inc. v. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC, 2023 WL 1861401 (D. R.I. Feb. 9, 2023)
  • Dickinson v. Kopacz, 2022 WL 3657081 (Mass. Super. Ct. July 21, 2022)
  • Dickinson v. Kopacz, 2022 WL 3657080 (Mass. Super. Ct. May 31, 2022)
  • U-Nest Holdings, Inc. v. Ascensus, LLC, 2022 WL 834256 (D. R.I. Mar. 21, 2022)
  • Bertolino v. Fracassa, 2021 WL 5754229 (Mass. Super. Ct. Nov. 29, 2021)
  • Rhode Island School of Design v. Begin, 2021 WL 5492870 (R.I. Super. Ct. Nov. 12, 2021)
  • Bertolino v. Fracassa, 2021 WL 1198701 (Mass. Super. Ct. Feb. 26, 2021)
  • Robins v. X-Ray Associates, Inc., 2020 WL 6470893 (R.I. Super. Ct. Oct. 27, 2020)
  • Hamilton v. TBC Corp. et al., 821 Fed. Appx. 720 (9th Cir. 2020)
  • Harrop v. Rhode Island Division of Lotteries, et al., 2020 WL 3033494 (R.I. Super. Ct. June 1, 2020)
  • State of Rhode Island v. Purdue Pharma L.P., et al., 2020 WL 2315956 (R.I. Super. Ct. May 5, 2020)
  • Hamilton v. TBC Corp. et al., 2019 WL 1119647 (D. Cal. Jan. 29, 2019)
  • Medoff v. CVS Caremark Corp., 2016 WL 632237 (D. R.I. Feb. 17, 2016)
  • Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Assoc. of Rhode Island v. Charlesgate Nursing Center, L.P., 115 A.3d 998 (R.I. 2015)
  • Tracy v. Buena Vista Theatrical Group d/b/a Disney Theatrical Group, 2015 WL 471424 (D. R.I. Feb. 4, 2015)
  • Global ePoint, Inc. v. GTECH Corporation, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 2008 (D. R.I. Jan. 8, 2015)
  • Global ePoint, Inc. v. GTECH Corporation, 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 157942 (D. R.I. Nov. 5, 2014)
  • Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation v. Wells Fargo Securities, Inc., et al., 2014 WL 3407982 (R.I. Super. July 7, 2014)
  • National Refrigeration v. Capital Properties, Inc., 88 A.3d 1150 (R.I. 2014)
  • GP Arcade Garage, LLC v. Myrth York et al., 2013 R.I. Super. LEXIS 199 (R.I. Super. Nov. 25, 2013)
  • Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation v. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, et al., 2013 R.I. Super. LEXIS 165 (R.I. Super. Aug. 28, 2013)
  • Emrit v. American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) et al., 2013 WL 4094387 (D. R.I. Aug. 13, 2013)
  • Lang v. Zoning Board of Review for the Town of Middletown, 2013 R.I. Super. LEXIS 47 (R.I. Super. Mar. 13, 2013)
  • Narragansett Indian Tribe v. State of Rhode Island, 2012 R.I. Super. LEXIS 102 (R.I. Super. June 29, 2012)
  • Faherty v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc., 2011 WL 810178 (D. Mass. Mar. 9, 2011)
  • E.W. Burman, Inc. v. Bradford Dyeing Association, Inc., 2011 R.I. Super. LEXIS 16 (R.I. Super. Feb. 8, 2011)
  • Koch v. I-Flow Corp. et al., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 56017 (D.R.I. June 7, 2010)
  • Gammell-Roach v. Bradford Soap International, Inc. et al., 2010 R.I. Super. LEXIS 34 (R.I. Super. Feb. 16, 2010)
  • Dunellen, LLC v. Getty Properties Corp., 567 F.3d 35 (1st Cir. 2009)
  • Orion Worldwide Travel, LLC v. Commonwealth Foreign Exchange, Inc., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 108643 (E.D. Va. Nov. 20, 2009)
  • Rhode Island Hospital v. Sebelius, 670 F.Supp.2d 148 (D.R.I. 2009)
  • Grady v. The Narragansett Electric Co., 962 A.2d 34 (R.I. 2009)
  • Providence and Worcester Railroad Co. v. J. Broomfield & Sons Co., Inc. et al., 2009 R.I. Super. LEXIS 72 (R.I. Super. June 10, 2009)
  • Rhode Island Hospital v. Leavitt et al., 548 F.3d 29 (1st Cir. 2008)
  • Dunellen, LLC v. Getty Properties Corp., 557 F.Supp.2d 263 (D.R.I. 2008)
  • Providence and Worcester Railroad Co. v. Pawtucket Transfer Operations, LLC, 2008 R.I. Super. LEXIS 138 (R.I. Super. Oct. 30, 2008)
  • Rhode Island Hospital v. Leavitt et al., 2007 WL 2301161 (D.R.I. August 9, 2007)
  • Rhode Island Hospital v. Leavitt et al., 2007 WL 294026 (D.R.I. January 26, 2007)
  • Rhode Island Affiliate, American Civil Liberties Union, Inc. v. Begin, 431 F. Supp.2d 227 (D.R.I. 2006)
  • Burt v. Rhode Island Hosp. Trust Nat. Bank et al., 2006 WL 2089254 (R.I. Super. July 26, 2006)
  • The Shaw Group Inc. et al. v. Picerne Investment Corp., 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 38793 (W.D. Pa. June 12, 2006)
  • In re Kelvin Manbodh Asbestos Litigaiton, 2006 WL 1084317 (V.I. Super. Mar. 6, 2006)
  • The Shaw Group Inc. et al. v. Picerne Investment Corp., 235 F.R.D. 68 (W.D. Pa. 2005)

Credentials

Work Experience

  • Hinckley Allen
    • Co-chair, Complex Commercial Litigation
    • Partner (2008-Present)
    • Associate (2004-2007)
  • Chadbourne & Parke LLP
    • Associate (2002-2004)
  • Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    • Associate (2000-2002)
  • The Honorable Robert W. Lovegreen, US District Court
    • Law Clerk (1999-2000)

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America® (2020-2024)
    • Lawyer of the Year (2023)
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Litigation – Banking and Finance
    • Litigation – Construction
    • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
    • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
  • Chambers USA America's Leading Lawyers for the category of Litigation: General Commercial
  • Rhode Island Monthly, Professional Excellence in Law (2019-2024)
  • Super Lawyers, Rhode Island (2015-2023)
  • Providence Business News, 40 Under Forty (2009)
  • Welcome House of South County, Recognition Award for Pro Bono Representation (2007)
  • New York City Urban Fellowship (1995-1996)

Charitable & Civic Involvement

  • ACE Mentors, Board Member (2007-2010)
  • Chair of the Pro Bono Committee at Hinckley Allen (2010-Present)
  • Cornell Club of Rhode Island and Bristol County, Massachusetts, President (2005-2008)
  • Higher Ground International
    • Vice Chair of the Board (2023-Present)
  • Junior Achievement of Rhode Island
    • Board Member (2005-2014)
    • Executive Committee Member (2007-2014)
    • Chairman (2010-2012)
  • Leadership Rhode Island, Board of Governors (March 2013-2021)
  • Providence Preservation Society, Membership Committee (2005-2008)
  • Rocky Hill School, Board of Trustees (2012-2022)
  • Roger Williams Law School, Pro Bono Collaborative, Advisory Board (2010-2016)

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association
    • Business Law Section
    • Health Law Section
    • Litigation Section
    • Co-Chair of the Banking and Lender Liability Subcommittee of the Commercial and Business Litigation Committee
  • Defense Counsel of Rhode Island
  • Litigation Counsel of America
    • Fellow
  • Rhode Island Bar Association

Bar Memberships

  • Massachusetts, 2001
  • New Jersey, 2000
  • New York, 2002
  • Rhode Island, 2004
  • United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, 2007
  • United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, 2007
  • United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, 2000
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, 2003
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, 2003
  • United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, 2005

Newsroom

Publication

3D Printing: New Frontier in Potential Product Liability Claims

Litigation Partner Mitchell Edwards, Counsel Timothy Zabbo and Associate Mark Hochberg were recently featured in Massachusetts/Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly to explore the new frontier in potential product liability claims resulting from the rise in 3D print…

Publication

2019 Real Estate Tax Abatement Process

Tax abatement season is here, with some fast approaching filing deadlines in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. If you have not already done so, now is the time for property owners to review their real estate tax assessments to de…

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Firm News

57 Hinckley Allen Lawyers Included in 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

A total of 57 Hinckley Allen attorneys were named to the Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Upstate New York for 2023, including those newly recognized as well as featured in Top Lists.Ger…

Firm News

Hinckley Allen Attorneys Named in Best Lawyers in America® 2024

A multitude of Hinckley Allen attorneys are recognized in their respective practice areas in Best Lawyers® 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In addition, 11 Hinckley Allen attorneys were named in the “Lawyers of the Year” category, as wel…

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Case Study

Hinckley Allen Successfully Enforces Non-Compete to Prevent Former Employee from Soliciting Customers

Hinckley Allen attorneys successfully represented a Rhode Island pest-control company (the “Company”) in its efforts to enforce a noncompetition agreement and prevent a former employee from soliciting and/or performing services for the Company’s prio…

Case Study

Hinckley Allen Achieves Dismissal in Superior Court Based on Lack of Personal Jurisdiction

Hinckley Allen obtained dismissal of a complaint in the Superior Court of Massachusetts for lack of personal jurisdiction that was filed against their clients who own and operate a bulk liquid storage facility in New York. This case was brought by a Massac…

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Events

Past Event

WEBINAR: Fiduciary Duty Claims Litigation: Demystifying Trends, Developments, and Legal Challenges

August 10, 2021

Partner Mitch Edwards will join an esteemed panel to discuss trends and updates surrounding fiduciary duty claims litigation.The litigation landscape for fiduciary duty claims has been continuously evolving with the recent developments and court rulings. A…

Past Event

Effective Strategies in Litigating Fiduciary Duty Claims: What You Need to Know

October 29, 2019

Join attorney Mitchell R. Edwards for a Knowledge Group Online CLE Litigating Fiduciary Duty Claims Webinar. In today’s business landscape, claims involving a breach of fiduciary duty prevails as one of the most crucial risks facing companies worldwide a…