Sherin and Lodgen Partner elected Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives

Partner Christopher R. Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence) has been elected Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives following a 65-10 vote of the chamber. Speaker Blazejewski, who previously served as Majority Leader, succeeds former Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.

In a press release issued by the State of Rhode Island General Assembly, Speaker Blazejewski said, “I’m honored and deeply grateful to have secured the overwhelming support of my House colleagues to serve as Speaker, and for Rep. Katherine Kazarian to serve as Majority Leader. We have difficult work ahead, with no easy answers, but the people who sent us here to represent them deserve nothing less than our full commitment. As we all roll up our sleeves and get to work, I promise that I will always listen, be fair, have an open door and an open mind, and I will ensure that every voice in this chamber is heard.”

In remarks to the chamber, Speaker Blazejewski also thanked former Speaker Shekarchi for fostering a more collaborative and inclusive House, noting that his leadership helped build a strong foundation for effective governance.

Speaker Blazejewski is a highly regarded attorney and public servant. He has represented District 2 in Providence since his election in 2010 and was elected Majority Leader by his Democratic colleagues in 2020, with subsequent re-elections in 2022 and 2024.

Throughout his legislative career, Speaker Blazejewski has been a leading voice on issues including housing affordability, environmental protection, public education, civil rights, senior services, and health care access. He has played a central role in advancing major legislation such as the Act on Climate, the Reproductive Privacy Act, and measures to expand access to affordable health care and lower prescription drug costs.

As a partner in Sherin and Lodgen’s Litigation Department, he represents businesses, law firms, and individuals in complex commercial litigation, legal malpractice defense, and business disputes. He defends national and regional law firms listed on the AmLaw 100 and NLJ 500 against legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, and other professional liability claims. He assists law firms and attorneys in client disputes, risk management, and professional ethics, and also represents attorneys in disciplinary proceedings and accounting firms in client disputes. Additionally, Speaker Blazejewski litigates contract, real estate, and intra-corporate disputes in a wide range of industries.

“We are incredibly proud of Chris and this remarkable achievement,” said Sara Jane Shanahan, Managing Partner of Sherin and Lodgen. “His integrity, leadership, and dedication to public service exemplify the values of our firm and the legal profession. We look forward to his continued impact in this important role.”

A lifelong Rhode Islander, Speaker Blazejewski is a graduate of Cumberland High School, Harvard College, and Harvard Law School.

Links to more press:

R.I. House elects Blazejewski speaker after Shekarchi steps down to apply to Supreme Court – Boston Globe

Rep. Chris Blazejewski takes reins as new RI House speaker – Providence Journal