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Providence RI 02903-1345
TEL: 401.274.7200
FAX: 401.751.0604
Practice Areas
Education
- Harvard University (A.B., cum laude, 1968)(J.D., cum laude, 1972)
Bar & Court Admissions
- Rhode Island
- U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Richard A. Licht
Counsel, Providence - Email
vCard - Full Bio
A seasoned attorney in complex, high-stakes matters and landmark decisions, as well as a former Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor, Richard Licht brings to his corporate, real estate and governmental clients a profound understanding of legal and political realties, helps them successfully navigate complicated transactions.
His private practice includes aiding clients in the acquisition and development of major real estate projects. His public and administrative law practice focuses on government relations, municipal taxations issues, land development, nonprofit and for-profit housing, and more.
With more than 30 years experience in high-level legal matters, public service and community involvement, Richard gives his clients an unparalleled mix of legal savvy, helpful relationships, and responsive, ethical service that helps cut through red tape and bring a transaction to a successful conclusion.
Significant Matters
- He serves as outside general legal counsel for the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, where he has handled negotiations with federal authorities and major airline and rental car tenants and was prominently involved in all environmental, labor and corporate issues pertaining to the construction of the new T.F. Green Airport.
- Richard was a principal member of the legal team representing the developers of Providence Place, a $350 million regional shopping mall located in Providence's Capitol Center, one of the largest private investments in state history. His role involved negotiating the terms of a public/private partnership among the developer, the State and the city, and obtaining all permits necessary to develop the mall.
- He represents a major financial services company and developed a legislative strategy to enable it to build the states largest office building and bring over 1500 high paying jobs to Rhode Island.
- He represents a health insurer and has played a significant role in enabling it to enter the Rhode Island market.
- In the private sector, he spearheaded the successful representation of the subsidiary of one of the world's largest supermarket chains in a Federal Trade Commission-ordered divesture of its Rhode Island and Massachusetts stores. The transaction involved substantial corporate, environmental, federal and state antitrust regulatory issues.
- He has represented insurance companies seeking licensing and approvals before the Insurance Commissioner at the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.
- He has also represented various healthcare providers, including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, before the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.
Honors & Distinctions
- Selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2007-2010 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Governmental Relations Law.
- AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, highest rating given to attorneys.
- Named a Rhode Island Super Lawyer, 2007-2009, an honor that recognizes him as a leader in the legal community.
- Recipient, Israel Peace Medal, State of Israel Bonds, 1985.
- Outstanding Young Man of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Jaycees, 1985.
Community & Civic Activity
- Lt. Governor of Rhode Island, 1985-1989.
- Democratic nominee, U.S. Senate, 1988, 2000.
- Member, Rhode Island State Senate, 1974-1983.
- Chairman, State Judiciary Senate Committee, 1983-1984.
- Chairman, Board of Governors for Higher Education, 1992-95.
- Chairman, Rhode Island Long-Term Care Council, 1987-88.
- Chairman, Rhode Island Commission on Religious, Racial & Ethnic Harassment, 1981-1985.
- Chairman, State Energy Technology Study Commission.
- Chairman, Rhode Island Permanent Small Business Advocacy Council.
- Vice President, Jewish Federation of Rhode Island 2007-
- President, Jewish Seniors Agency, 2005-2007.
- Chair, Board of Directors, NARAL PCA, 2009
- Chair, Rhode Island AIPAC Council, 2003-2007.
- Member, Board of Directors, Roger Williams Medical Center, 1989-2006.
- Member, Board of Directors, Jewish Federation of Rhode Island.
- Chair, Rhode Island Chapter, Anti-Defamation League 1989-1995.
- Jewish Federation of Rhode Island's Joseph W. Ress Community Service Award, 2007.
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