R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-3-2
From the time notice is given by an attorney of the relationship of attorney and client to the person or party against whom a claim, demand, or counterclaim is made, or a cause of action or other matter is pending, the attorney's implied or express agreement shall begin to operate as a lien, and no settlement either before or after judgment shall invalidate it, but it may be enforced like any other lien against the money or thing of value which is the consideration for the settlement, or the parties, if they have made a settlement, may be proceeded against jointly or severally in an action on the case at law and shall be jointly or severally liable to the attorney for the full value of his or her lien in accordance with his or her implied or express agreement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-3-2