August 23, 2005
Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release
738-2000
Avedisian appoints Corley to Zoning Board
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that he has appointed Richard Corley, a resident of Algonquin Drive, to the Zoning Board. Corley, whose appointment must be confirmed by the City Council, replaces Robert Fraser.
An attorney, Corley graduated summa cum laude in 1978 from Northeastern University College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelor of Science degree, earned his juris doctor in 1983 from George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC and graduated in 1988 from the National Criminal Defense College of Mercer Law School, Georgia.
For over two decades, he has practiced criminal and civil law, both in private practice and for the Rhode Island Office of the Public Defender, where he rose to the rank of chief trial lawyer for the Kent, Washington and Newport county offices. A former nominee for judgeship to the state District Court, Corley has also served as the Rhode Island State Senate Judiciary Committee’s legislative counsel, drafting legislation relative to both civil and criminal statutes and assisting in the development of laws that will improve criminal statutes in Rhode Island. He is currently a senior partner with Corley Taveras & Petrarca, LLP in Providence.
Corley’s former bar association positions include service as the president of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; a board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; a member of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Committee; and a member of the Supreme Court Committee for the Study of Indigent Defense.
“Rick has long expressed an interest in serving the residents of our community,” Avedisian said. “Many of the issues that come before the Zoning Board involve complex legal issues. His extensive legal experience, together with his enthusiasm to give back to his community and his interest in zoning matters will make him a valuable member of the board. I am grateful that he has agreed to take on this responsibility.”