Travis J. McDermott

Partner

Travis’ practice focuses on commercial litigation and regulatory matters, with a particular emphasis on clients in the banking, insurance, and cannabis industries. He represents clients in state and federal courts across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the First Circuit, and in arbitration. His litigation work spans complex commercial disputes, contract and employment claims, land use and zoning matters, and appellate issues.

In his regulatory practice, Travis advises banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, insurers, and cannabis businesses in connection with investigations, examinations, licensing, and contested enforcement actions. He routinely interacts with state and federal regulators, including the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, the FDIC, and various Massachusetts divisions overseeing banking, insurance, and securities.

Travis is known for providing practical, results-driven guidance. He efficiently manages disputes of all sizes by leveraging his experience with litigation technology and e-discovery tools – particularly valuable in complex, document-heavy matters.

He serves as a Delegate to the Rhode Island Bar Association House of Delegates and sits on the board of the Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association. He also volunteers with Children’s Friend, a Rhode Island nonprofit serving children and families since 1834.

Before joining Partridge Snow & Hahn in 2011, Travis practiced at Latham & Watkins LLP in New York. A Rhode Island native and graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, he previously worked as a technical writer and sales consultant at a local technology company.

Practice Areas

Banking & Financial

Corporate & Business

Energy & Environmental

Litigation & Disputes

Education

Pepperdine University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude

Pepperdine Law Review, Business and Production Editor

Pepperdine University Straus Institute, Master of Dispute Resolution

Seton Hall University, B.A., magna cum laude

Bar Memberships

New York

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

U.S. Federal District Court, S.D.N.Y

U.S. Federal District Court, Massachusetts

U.S. Federal District Court, Rhode Island

Professional Affiliations

Massachusetts Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
American Bar Association
Rhode Island Bar Association
- Bench/Bar and ADR Committees
DRI (formerly known as Defense Research Institute)

Boards and Community Activities

Governor’s Insurance Council
- Appointed by Governor Raimondo, 2019
Children’s Friend
- Annual Luncheon Planning Committee Member
Financial Services Professionals
- Board of Directors, Rhode Island Chapter
Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association
- Compliance Committee Member
Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association
- Legislative Committee Member

Representative Matters

Represented Rhode Island-chartered bank in defense of FDIC enforcement actions
Represented Rhode Island-chartered credit union in several credit union mergers
Represented national healthcare company in defense of RI OHIC enforcement action
Represented software developer in several AAA arbitrated disputes in New York over licensing contracts
Represented multiple property owners and former property owners in connection with a variety of Massachusetts DEP enforcement matters
Represented several property owners and former property owners in connection with Massachusetts and Rhode Island environmental litigation matters
Represented local retirement planning company in connection with Massachusetts Securities Division investigations
Represented Rhode Island financial institution in complex litigation against former affiliate
Represented multiple out-of-state entities as local counsel in complex Rhode Island litigation

Honors

Named a Rhode Island Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2013-2019)