Paul M. Kessimian was recently appointed to serve as President of Defense Counsel of Rhode Island (DCRI).
DCRI is the state association of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. DCRI is committed to enhancing the skills, effectiveness, and professionalism of civil defense lawyers through the provision of resources, continuing legal education, and opportunities for collegiality. Members are committed to advancing the interests of the civil defense bar and their clients. DCRI advocates for improvements in the civil justice system and a balanced litigation environment.
“I am honored to serve as President of the Defense Counsel of Rhode Island. I’d like to thank all of the members who have elected me, as well as those who have preceded me as President and leader of this organization. The goals for my term fall into two general categories: inside and outside the organization. Within the organization, I aim to serve DCRI members, build on our programs, and increase opportunities for us as members to get together. Outside of it, my priority will be on expanding DCRI’s profile to attract more members and help us develop a more powerful voice on making our civil justice system better.”
Paul is the Co-Managing Partner of Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP. In addition, he serves as Chair of the Firm’s Litigation & Disputes practice and represents corporate clients and individuals in nearly every type of complex litigation, including breach of contract, commercial, insurance, intellectual property, environmental, and real estate disputes. Paul represents clients in all phases of litigation in state and federal courts and has tried both bench and jury trials. Applying a business-minded approach to every dispute, Paul has a proven track record advising clients across a broad range of industries in high-stakes, big-dollar disputes often alongside or against some of the country’s largest and most established firms. He is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.
In addition to his role with DCRI, Paul serves his alma mater, Providence College, as the Liberal Arts Honors Leadership Council’s Vice Chair and as a member of the President’s Council. He is also active with the American Bar Association Litigation Section’s Commercial & Business Litigation Committee, where he serves as a Web and Practice Point Editor and Co-Chair of the Programs & CLE Subcommittee. Paul is a member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, currently serving on the Membership Recruitment Committee. He also serves as Treasurer & Executive Committee Member of the Federal Bar Association, Rhode Island Chapter.
