Associate
Henry S. Monti truly loves being a trial lawyer.
“It’s something I’ve always enjoyed – being a lawyer in that setting,” says Henry, a board-certified civil trial expert. “I love representing my client and advocating for them before a judge and jury in the courtroom.”
Henry developed his taste for trial work at the start of his legal career, serving at first as a public defender and later as a special assistant attorney general. During his two-year tenure with the attorney general’s office, he tried more than 30 jury cases, including four involving homicides.
“By trying so many cases during that short period of time, I was able to develop the skills that are needed to become a trial lawyer,” Henry says. “Preparation is one key. Another key is that you have to be relaxed, and you have to establish a rapport with the jury.”
Preparing Each Case for Trial
For more than two decades, Henry has used his trial skills at Gemma Law Associates, Inc. to protect the rights and interests of personal injury victims, including those who have been harmed in automobile accidents, truck accidents and slip and falls.
“Only a small percentage of our cases actually go to trial. Most can be resolved through mediation or arbitration, which is great for the client because it can be quicker and less expensive,” Henry says. “However, to be successful in mediation or arbitration, you have to prepare every case as if it is going to trial.”
Getting Involved in the Community
A past president of the Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association, Henry lectures frequently on trial practice and personal injury law. He also has served on the Board of Governors for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association.
He has been licensed to practice law in Rhode Island since 1982 and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
When he isn’t practicing law, Henry serves on the Board of Governors for Bradley Hospital, a mental health facility for children, and he enjoys sailing.
A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Henry earned his undergraduate degree, cum laude, as a member of the honors program at Providence College. He went to receive his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, where he was a St. Thomas Moore Scholar.
Education
- Providence College (B.A., cum laude, 1979)
- Saint John’s University School of Law (J.D., 1982)
Bar Admissions
- Rhode Island (1982)
Practice Areas
Membership
- Rhode Island Bar Association
- Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association (President, 1997-1998)
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America (Member, Board of Governors, 1998-2000)