Appointed By: Gov. Gina M. Raimondo
Hon. Melissa E. Darigan is an associate justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. She was appointed to the bench by former Governor Gina Raimondo in 2019, filling the vacancy created by the passing of the Hon. Walter R. Stone (deceased).
During her judicial tenure, her assignments have included presiding over the Daily Criminal Calendar in Kent County.
Darigan received a B.A. in international affairs and Latin American studies at George Washington University in 1989. She went on to complete a J.D. at The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 1992. She was admitted to practice in Rhode Island (1992) and Massachusetts (1993).
After graduating from law school, Darigan began her legal career at Partridge Snow & Hahn, LLP. She joined the firm in 1992 and was named a partner eight years later. During her tenure there, she practiced in its litigation department, representing banks, insurance companies, and business entities in various types of complex commercial litigation, as well as corporate fiduciaries and individuals in contested trust and estate matters. In 2006, Darigan was named chair of the firm’s litigation practice group.
She was a past president of the Rhode Island Bar Association (2015 to 2016).
Darigan was born and raised in the Elmwood section of Providence, Rhode Island, and is a graduate of Classical High School (1985). She is the daughter of the Hon. Francis J. Darigan, Jr., former judge of the Rhode Island Superior Court. Darigan attends the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.
When not on the bench, she enjoys traveling, visiting the beach, hiking, and cooking.
| Current Appointment Rhode Island Superior Court | Rhode Island Superior Court |
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Education
J.D., The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law - 1992 B.A., George Washington University - 1989 |
J.D., The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law - 1992 B.A., George Washington University - 1989 |
| Current Court: | RI - Rhode Island Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk phone: | +1 (401) 822-6900 |
| Providence Clerk: | +1 (401) 222-3250 |
| Role | Employer | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Justice | Rhode Island Superior Court | None |
| Partner | Partridge Snow & Hahn, LLP | None |
| Associate | Partridge Snow & Hahn, LLP | None |
Martindale: Melissa E Darigan
Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP: Q&A with Melissa Darigan
The Providence Journal: R.I. Senate Approves Darigan for Superior Court Bench
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