John A. Tarantino

John A. Tarantino is senior counsel at Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C. in Providence, Rhode Island, and is a trial and appellate lawyer with a broad complex litigation practice. His work includes business and commercial disputes, constitutional claims, antitrust and trade regulation, intellectual property, product liability and toxic tort, white collar matters, employment disputes, sports law, and other high-stakes cases for individuals, companies, and public figures.

Tarantino earned an A.B., magna cum laude, from Dartmouth College in 1976 and a J.D., magna cum laude, from Boston College in 1981. He also studied at Kings College, University of London. His academic background supports a litigation practice that requires detailed legal research, sophisticated written advocacy, close factual analysis, and the ability to frame complex issues for judges, juries, regulators, and appellate courts.

Tarantino has represented governors, senators, executives, boards, entrepreneurs, major companies, athletes, coaches, and real estate developers. His matters have included lead-pigment litigation, constitutional pension challenges, major public corruption proceedings, products and toxic tort cases, and complex commercial disputes. He has tried cases, handled appeals, and worked on matters involving substantial public, financial, regulatory, and reputational consequences.

John A. Tarantino has received long-standing recognition for litigation and appellate work. Tarantino’s practice spans state and federal courts and requires both trial preparation and appellate analysis across many subject areas. He represents clients when legal issues are unusually complex or stakes are high, combining courtroom advocacy with strategic assessment of constitutional questions, business disputes, government investigations, product claims, employment issues, and other contested matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C.
• President, Rhode Island Bar Association (1997)
• Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
• President, October – October, New England Bar Association (2002)
• President, Rhode Island Bar Foundation (2005)
• Chair, June, Rhode Island Bar Association, Client Security Fund Committee (2011 – 2025)
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation
• Fellow, National Conference of Bar Presidents
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, Trial Law Institute, Litigation Counsel of America.
• Member, Diversity Law Institute, Litigation Counsel of America.
• Member, Sports Lawyers Association
• Member, Dartmouth College Lawyers’ Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, United States Supreme Court Historical Society (State Chair (2007-2008)
• Former Member, Texas Ranger Law Enforcement Association
• Fellow, International Society of Barristers (State Chair)
• President, June – June, Defense Counsel of Rhode Island (2003)
• Founding Member and Former Regent, National College for DUI Defense
• Managing Trustee, Papitto Opportunity Connection (2002-Present)
• Managing Director, The John and Pat Tarantino Charitable Foundation (2023-Present)
• Managing Director, Iylon Foundation
• Former Board Member, Poverello Center (2005 – 2011)
• Barrister, Order of Justitia, Litigation Counsel of America
• Advocate, Order of Certus, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, Justinian Society
• Member, St. Thomas More Society
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• CEO, Iylon Precision Oncology LLC (2023-Present)
• Member of Executive Committee, Capital Campaign of Franciscans of the Holy Name Province (2002 – 2004)

Licensed State

• Rhode Island
• Massachusetts

Education

• Boston College
  Juris Doctor (JD) Magna Cum Laude
• Dartmouth College
  A.B. Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges