William P. Devereaux

William P. Devereaux is a respected criminal defense and civil litigation attorney with decades of experience representing individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public entities. As a partner with Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC, he leads the firm’s Criminal Defense Team and handles complex matters in state and federal courts.

Mr. William earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1979 after receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University in 1975. His legal foundation was strengthened through early public service, including work as a Navy Judge Advocate and later as an Assistant Attorney General in Rhode Island. His practice includes criminal defense, health care fraud, civil litigation, cyber law, securities disputes, money laundering matters, product liability, and regulatory enforcement. He represents clients before courts, grand juries, the Department of Justice, and federal health care agencies, offering strategic guidance during investigations, audits, and high-stakes proceedings.

Mr. William has represented CEOs, physicians, attorneys, political figures, hospitals, insurers, municipalities, tribal entities, and corporate clients. His experience includes appellate advocacy before the Rhode Island Supreme Court and the First Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as trial-level representation in major criminal, civil, and administrative matters. Throughout his career, he has helped clients navigate government investigations, avoid indictments, resolve fraud allegations, and defend against serious civil claims. His work has included negotiating a landmark Deferred Prosecution Agreement for a hospital and guiding clients through sensitive matters involving Medicaid, licensing, contracting, and regulatory compliance.

Before entering private practice, William P. Devereaux prosecuted organized crime, major felonies, environmental crime, and statewide grand jury matters. That background gives him insight into government enforcement strategies, allowing him to protect clients through careful preparation, persuasive advocacy, and informed risk management in criminal, civil, and regulatory disputes. His professional recognition includes an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers recognition, and Rhode Island Monthly Professional Excellence in Law honors. He is admitted in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, federal district courts, appellate courts, and military appellate courts.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC
• Member, Rhode Island Bar Association
• Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
• Member, American Association for Justice

Licensed State

• Rhode Island
• Massachusetts

Education

• Suffolk University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Wesleyan University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges