John Deaton, Managing Partner of the Deaton Law Firm, founded his law practice in 2006. Prior to establishing DLF, John worked for a national plaintiffs' firm, specializing in asbestos litigation, products liability, toxic torts, and personal injury. John also served as one of the firm's principal trial attorneys in New York, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. John tried cases against national defense lawyers, litigation firms, and high profile corporations. He earned a reputation as an aggressive but fair trial advocate.

Prior to his work as a plaintiffs' attorney, John joined the United States Marine Corp while in law school. In 1994, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. John served as a federal prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney for seven years of active duty. He tried dozens of jury trials to verdict throughout his career. As a direct result of his efforts, John was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and was selected to the rank of Major.

John attended law school at the New England School of Law and graduated Cum Laude in 1995. At New England School of Law, John received the American Jurisprudence Award for Clinical Evidence and was selected for the law school's National Mock Trial Team, an honor awarded to few. John graduated Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan University in 1989.

John's decision to open his own asbestos litigation firm was driven by his desire to give each and every client individual attention. Despite what larger firms may promise, it is only in a small firm that each attorney and staff member will know you by name and give your case the personal attention it deserves. At the Deaton Law Firm, John Deaton will be your primary trial attorney.

Vanessa A. Dennis was born in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2002 with a degree in Psychology. In 2006, Vanessa received her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law. During her second year at California Western she interned with Elder Law & Advocacy, an organization that provides free legal services to San Diego's elderly population. In her third year she interned with the United States Marine Corps at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate in their Legal Assistance Office.

Vanessa joined the Deaton Law Firm in October of 2007. She focuses her practice on personal injury, products liability, and toxic torts, with an emphasis on asbestos litigation. She is admitted to practice in Rhode Island (2007), Massachusetts (2008), and the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island (2008). Vanessa is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association.