Caroline V. Howerton (Murphy)

Caroline V. Howerton (Murphy) is an attorney with DeSisto Law in Providence, Rhode Island, where she handles civil litigation and defense work. Her experience includes municipal defense, civil rights and constitutional claims, employment-related disputes, negligence matters, and other complex cases in state and federal court. She has substantial trial experience and has argued motions and other matters before Rhode Island and federal courts.

Howerton received her legal education at Suffolk University Law School, where she was involved with the Journal of High Technology Law and held a leadership role in the Immigration Law Association. That academic background supports litigation work requiring legal research, written advocacy, procedural analysis, and close review of constitutional, employment, municipal, and evidentiary issues in contested civil cases.

Howerton has defended police departments and officers in cases alleging excessive force and other civil rights violations and has represented public entities in negligence and school-related claims. Her work includes discovery, depositions, dispositive and evidentiary motions, federal mediation, and independent municipal investigations. She has also handled selected immigration matters and has argued before the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Caroline V. Howerton (Murphy) brings trial, appellate, discovery, and investigation experience to public-sector and civil defense matters. She has worked on cases requiring detailed factual development and careful analysis of constitutional standards, municipal duties, employment issues, and alleged negligence. Her litigation practice includes both courtroom advocacy and the extensive pretrial work needed to evaluate claims, prepare witnesses, develop defenses, and position matters for settlement or trial.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, DeSisto Law LLC
• Member, Rhode Island Bar Association
• Co-Director for the Litigation Academy program, Federal Court’s Litigation Academy
• Member, local Federal Bar Association Chapter

Licensed State

• Rhode Island

Awards & Badges