PROVIDENCE, R.I.- Governor Gina Raimondo announced today that she has nominated Lara Montecalvo to be the Rhode Island Public Defender. Lara has served as Assistant Public Defender since 2004. She succeeds Mary McElroy, who resigned last year following her appointment to the U.S. District Court.
"Lara's experience as a trial attorney, her commitment to the rule of law, and her strong sense of compassion and empathy make her an outstanding public defender," said Governor Raimondo. "She has big shoes to fill, and I know she is the right person to lead this office and ensure the rights of the accused are fully protected."
Lara Montecalvo has spent the last 16 years as the Assistant Public Defender for Rhode Island. Prior to that, she served as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice. She is a graduate of Swarthmore College and Boston College Law School.
Lara's name was submitted yesterday to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent.