Civil litigation · Federal court
DiLibero & Associates represents clients in federal civil and criminal matters in the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island and Massachusetts from its Providence office.
Federal courts operate under a different set of rules and procedural requirements than state courts. The government and well-resourced opponents bring significant preparation to federal matters, and your counsel has to match it. We are admitted before the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey and the First, Second, and Third Circuits, and we practice in federal court regularly.
Facing an investigation or criminal charge? Our federal criminal defense guide for Rhode Island and Massachusetts explains investigations, first appearances, detention and defense review. The civil matters and civil deadlines below address lawsuits and other civil proceedings.
Our Providence office reviews federal matters involving the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Begin with the exact court, case number, parties and the documents you received or filed. Tell us whether you are seeking help with a civil dispute, a criminal matter or review of an existing order.
Use our civil dispute preparation or criminal case preparation for the relevant records. If you want an existing order reviewed, keep the appeal record index with those papers. These preparation steps do not determine the applicable filing procedure or deadline.
For an investigation or criminal charge, use the federal criminal inquiry. For a lawsuit between people or businesses, use the civil litigation inquiry. A seizure or asset forfeiture notice can be identified separately from a related charge. Include the court or agency and any date printed on the papers; an attorney must review the actual procedure and deadline.
Build a short document index that separates papers filed with the court, notices received from an agency and correspondence exchanged privately. For each item, record the title, date, court or agency and any case number shown. Bring an available docket and the complete orders you received rather than selected pages or a summary of a ruling.
If there is also a state-court case or another agency matter, identify it separately and explain the connection you understand. This helps counsel review the existing proceedings and the actual documents before discussing representation. Our service review here concerns the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island and Massachusetts; individual attorney admissions remain listed in the attorney profiles.
One Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI. Rhode Island’s only federal district court, which hears federal civil cases from across the state.
When every plaintiff is a citizen of a different state from every defendant, and more than $75,000 is at stake (not counting interest and costs), the case can be filed in federal district court under diversity jurisdiction. We advise on whether federal court provides a strategic advantage and litigate there when it does for contract disputes, business torts, and fraud claims between out-of-state parties.
18 U.S.C. § 1964(c) gives anyone injured in their business or property by a RICO violation a private right of action for treble damages and attorney’s fees against those who run an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity. Civil RICO is a powerful but technically demanding claim. We assess viability honestly and pursue it when the facts support it.
Disputes arising from contracts with federal agencies or governed by federal law, including government contractor disputes and federal procurement matters. Most contract claims against the United States go first to the contracting officer, then to a board of contract appeals or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims rather than a district court. We advise on the right path for pursuing or defending these claims.
Civil disputes involving federal agencies, enforcement actions, regulatory investigations, and administrative proceedings that have a federal court component. We handle the civil dimensions of federal agency matters and advise on when judicial review of agency action is available and worth pursuing.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the local rules of each district court govern how cases move. We know the filing requirements, motion practice timelines, and procedural postures that matter in the Districts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Not every dispute belongs in federal court. We assess federal question and diversity jurisdiction at the outset, advise on whether a federal court offers a strategic advantage, and make that recommendation before any filing decision is made.
Federal civil cases move differently than state cases. There are tighter discovery timelines, different motion practice, and a bench that expects counsel who know the local rules. We litigate federal civil matters with the same preparation and trial readiness we bring to every matter in the firm.
When a federal case produces an error worth challenging, such as improper evidentiary rulings, constitutional violations, or sentencing miscalculations, we handle the appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Federal appellate practice requires a different skill set than trial work, and we do both.
Appeals from civil judgments in the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island and Massachusetts to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. We review the district court record, identify preserved issues with appellate merit, and brief and argue federal civil appeals.
Federal deadlines are short. If a defendant fails to plead or otherwise defend, the clerk must enter a default once that failure is shown (Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(a)).
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern civil cases in every U.S. district court, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts (Fed. R. Civ. P. 1).
| What | Deadline | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Answer the complaint | 21 days after being served with the summons and complaint | Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A)(i) |
| Answer after waiving service | 60 days after the waiver request was sent (90 days if sent outside any U.S. judicial district) | Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A)(ii) |
| Answer after the court denies a Rule 12 motion | 14 days after notice of the ruling, unless the court sets a different time | Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(4)(A) |
| Remove a state case to federal court | Generally 30 days after the defendant receives the complaint, through service or otherwise | 28 U.S.C. § 1446(b)(1) |
| File a notice of appeal | 30 days after the judgment or order is entered, filed with the district court clerk | Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(1)(A) |
| File a notice of appeal when the United States is a party | 60 days after the judgment or order is entered | Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(1)(B) |
From the first call to the work itself.
When you contact us, you are not entering a queue.
What we do. Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation online. We take your details and check for conflicts of interest before we discuss your matter.
What to prepare. Your contact details, the court and case number if known, and the names of the parties and any existing counsel.
We will give you honest answers about where you stand and what your options are.
What we do. An attorney reviews what happened, the documents you have, and any deadlines that may apply, then talks you through your options.
What to prepare. The court papers, notices, orders and dates that prompted the call, plus the underlying agreements or other records relevant to your matter.
We prepare every case as though it’s going to trial.
What we do. If you decide to hire the firm, we confirm the engagement and get to work, and you know who is handling your matter.
What to prepare. Keep any new notices, letters, or court papers and send them to us as they arrive.
Every matter is different, so the steps and how long each one takes vary.
Attorney
Criminal defense, state and federal · Personal injury · Civil litigation
View profileAdmitted in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Connecticut state courts; U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
I had a great experience working with Dylan. He helped guide me through a situation I was dealing with involving a car dealership, and from the start he was professional, knowledgeable, and very easy to work with. Dylan took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I understood my options every step of the way. Even though the situation didn’t require anything overly complicated, it was clear that Dylan really knows his stuff and genuinely cares about helping his clients. He was responsive, straightforward, and made the entire process much less stressful. I would absolutely recommend Dylan to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy attorney. Thanks again for your help!
Stephensilva SilvaOur go to! We have utilized DiLibero & Assoc for a few years now and highly recommend. They are easy to reach, operate in a timely manner, and in each instance- they guided us and handled our situations surpassing our expectations. So grateful to always know exactly where to turn! And to actually get resolution. On top of that being treated with dignity and respect- definitely minimizes the stress when going through difficult predicaments.
Aimee ZwolinskiTrustworthy, professional, and knowledgeable. DiLibero & Associates took the time to explain everything clearly and always made me feel informed throughout the process. Their honesty, responsiveness, and attention to detail gave me confidence every step of the way. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for legal representation they can trust.
Tony LevadaOne of the best experiences i’ve ever had legally was with this firm! Lisa and Dylan are extremely professional and determined to get you a desirable outcome! They kept me well informed throughout the entire process and were nothing but professional, understanding, and helpful. I will always recommend this firm due to its staff’s dedication to getting you results that matter!
Elaina MI couldn’t be more impressed with Delibero and Associates. From my very first consultation, they were attentive, professional, and genuinely cared about my case. Dylan took the time to explain every step of the process and kept me informed the entire way. Their expertise and attention to detail gave me complete confidence that I was in excellent hands. What stood out most was their compassion, they treated me like a person, not just a client. The entire team worked efficiently, communicated clearly, and delivered results that exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for a law office that combines deep legal knowledge with true dedication to their clients, I highly recommend Delibero and Associates. They turned a stressful situation into a positive outcome.
Michael MarzilliTestimonials reflect individual experiences. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reviews describe individual clients’ experiences. Every matter is different.
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There are two main reasons a civil case ends up in federal court: the dispute arises under federal law or the Constitution (federal question jurisdiction, 28 U.S.C. § 1331), or every plaintiff is a citizen of a different state from every defendant and more than $75,000 is at stake (28 U.S.C. § 1332). Beyond those requirements, federal court can offer strategic advantages like a jury drawn from a wider area and procedural tools that aren’t available in state court. We assess the forum question at the outset of every civil engagement.
Yes. If the case meets the requirements for federal jurisdiction, a defendant can remove it by filing a notice of removal within 30 days after being served. A removed case can be sent back to state court if it doesn’t belong in federal court, and a remand motion based on a procedural defect must be filed within 30 days of removal. We handle both removal and remand disputes and advise on which forum is more advantageous for the specific matter.
Federal civil cases operate under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which differ from state procedural rules in discovery timelines, motion practice, and case management. Federal judges generally manage their dockets more actively than state judges, discovery disputes are handled differently, and the pace of litigation tends to be faster. We are admitted in the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey and practice in federal court regularly.
Civil RICO, 18 U.S.C. § 1964(c), allows a person injured in their business or property to sue for treble damages and attorney’s fees when the defendant conducted an enterprise’s affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity. Qualifying predicate acts include wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and extortion, among others. Civil RICO is powerful when the facts support it, but courts scrutinize it closely.
Yes, if there are preserved legal issues worth pursuing. Appeals from federal courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts go to the First Circuit. The notice of appeal is generally due within 30 days of judgment. Legal questions are reviewed de novo, a judge’s factual findings for clear error, and discretionary rulings for abuse of discretion. We review the record and advise whether the grounds are strong enough before recommending an appeal.
Not with us. We are admitted in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Connecticut state courts, in the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, and in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Second, and Third Circuits. If a matter moves between these state and federal courts, or involves parallel proceedings in both, the same team handles it. You don’t start over with new counsel in the transition.
Generally 21 days after you are served with the summons and complaint. If you agreed to waive formal service, you generally have 60 days from the date the waiver request was sent (Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)(A)). A motion under Rule 12 can change that timing (Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(4)).
Generally 30 days after the judgment or order is entered, or 60 days when the United States or a federal agency or officer is a party. The notice of appeal is filed with the district court clerk (Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(1)). The district court can extend the time only on a motion filed no later than 30 days after the deadline passes, with a showing of excusable neglect or good cause (Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(5)(A)).
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