attorneys
One Citizens Plaza, 8th Floor
Providence RI 02903-1345
TEL: 401.274.7200
FAX: 401.751.0604
Practice Areas
Education
  • Boston College (J.D., 1982)
  • Brown University (A.B., with honors, 1979)
Bar & Court Admissions
  • Rhode Island
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
  • U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

A recognized leading litigator and chair of the Litigation Group, Pat has successfully tried and defended cases ranging from commercial litigation, product liability and toxic tort, employment discrimination and redistricting litigation, bribery, wire fraud, honest services and conspiracy. Pat's healthcare practice includes representing healthcare providers before state and federal regulatory agencies as well as in civil and criminal investigations. 

Dedicated to the law and service to society, Pat has tried cases in state and federal courts throughout the country working as a team with her clients to reach successful resolutions in the most efficient manner.

Pat has co-authored a national text on trial advocacy and written articles on evidence, trial strategy, various aspects of constitutional law, criminal law and on recent changes to the law on federal sentencing guidelines.  She frequently lectures at regional and national seminars on these topics.

Client Comment

"Ms. Rocha provides superb advice; both legal and from a business perspective.  She has the technical experience and equally if not more importantly the business judgment that has successfully guided American Renal Associates through many twists and turns prevalent in a health care organization. Pat is responsible and we have never lost with her guidance."  

Joe Carlucci, CEO, American Renal Associates

Significant Matters

  • Pat is defending a major foreign pharmaceutical manufacturer in a pending criminal investigation relating to the marketing and distribution of HGH.
  • She is representing a hospital  in a review by the Rhode Island Attorney General and Department of Health under the Hospital Conversions Act in connection with its proposed acquisition of an existing hospital, seeking the first of its kind approval for such hospital conversion.
  • Pat has successfully represented healthcare providers in acquiring regulatory approvals from the Rhode Island Department of Health, as well as providing a defense to them in state and federal civil and criminal fraud and abuse proceedings. 
  • She has also successfully challenged unconstitutional regulatory schemes in the Rhode Island Supreme and Superior Courts as well as in the U.S. District Court.

Honors & Distinctions

  • Selected by her peers for inclusion in 2006-2010 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® in the fields of Administrative Law, Commercial Litigation, Health Care Law, White Collar Criminal Defense,  and Labor & Employment Law.
  • Recognized in the 2006-2010 Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers as on of the “Leaders in Rhode Island”.
  • Expert Guide to the US Leading Health Care Lawyers.
  • Selected as a Rhode Island Super Lawyer, 2007-2009, recognizing her as a leader in the legal community.
  • Recipient, Boston  College  Law  School 75th Anniversary Alumni Award, 2005

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Rhode Island Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline.
  • Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers.
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America.
  • Fellow, Rhode Island Bar Foundation.
  • Defense Counsel of Rhode Island, member, Board of Directors.
  • Committee on Character and Fitness of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, Chair, April 2007 to present.
  • Chair, Federal Board of Bar Admissions for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island
  • Co-chair of the 2008 Rhode Island Federal District Court Conference Committee.

Community & Civic Activity

  • Boston College Law School Board of Overseers.
  • President, Rhode Island Chapter Boston College Law School Alumni Association.

News

Publications & Seminars

  • Co-authored an important national text on trial advocacy and has been a contributing author on three others.
  • In conjunction with a leading publishing company, she has also developed a series of comprehensive forms for practicing lawyers and has produced a collection of model closing arguments for defense attorneys. 
  • She has written articles on evidence, direct and cross-examination, various aspects of constitutional law, criminal law and on recent changes to the law on federal sentencing guidelines.
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