Elizabeth McDonough Noonan

Elizabeth McDonough Noonan is a highly respected attorney known for her deep expertise in land use, zoning, and litigation. She represents both national and local developers in all stages of property development, from permitting to entitlements, at the federal, state, and municipal levels. Her leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to achieving development success have made her a trusted advocate in complex real estate and environmental matters.

Elizabeth earned her A.B., with honors, from the University of California, Berkeley, and later obtained her J.D. from UC Law San Francisco. Her academic achievements laid the groundwork for a distinguished legal career dedicated to advancing responsible development while protecting client interests through skilled negotiation and litigation when necessary.

Elizabeth’s practice extends beyond traditional land use, encompassing commercial and environmental litigation, professional and product liability, and eminent domain. She has played a pivotal role in landmark Rhode Island cases, including Munroe v. Town of East Greenwich, J.C. Realty, Inc. v. Barry, and Dallman v. Isaacs, all of which helped define state zoning and planning law. She also provides counsel on development projects such as hotels, marinas, historic adaptive reuse, and LEED-certified construction, demonstrating her versatility and forward-thinking approach.

Elizabeth McDonough Noonan continues to be recognized for her AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and her longstanding dedication to excellence, integrity, and impactful advocacy across Rhode Island’s evolving legal landscape. She has been consistently recognized for her professional excellence. She was named Best Lawyers’ 2025 Lawyer of the Year in Land Use and Zoning for Providence, following prior honors in 2024, 2020, 2018, and 2017. From 2007 through 2026, she has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for her work in Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, and Litigation – Real Estate. Additionally, she is listed by Chambers USA for Real Estate Law and honored by Rhode Island Monthly for Professional Excellence in Environmental and Land Use.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C.
• Member, Rhode Island Bar Association
• Former President, Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association

Licensed State

• Rhode Island

Education

• UC Law San Francisco
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Arts (AB)

Awards & Badges