News & Events
Think Before You File: Brian Lamoureux on Cybersecurity Threats to Federal Dockets
Partner Brian J. Lamoureux, spoke with Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly about cybersecurity risks facing the U.S. District Court’s online docket system. “In the wake of recent cyberattacks, Lamoureux said attorneys should think twice about filing under seal documents containing categories of information that are non-public — ‘insider’ information that should not be on the street.” “Until [recently], I wouldn’t have had any second thoughts about that,” he said. “I think a prudent practitioner [now] would: (a) be thinking about do they really need to file that under seal; and (b) if they do, whether they need to be making sure it’s redacted in a way that is still appropriate for the court to review; but if it gets disclosed as part of some...
Rhode Island Opens Cannabis Retail License Application Period
Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission has officially launched the long-anticipated application period for new adult-use cannabis retail licenses. This marks a major milestone in the state’s continued rollout of the legal cannabis market — and a significant opportunity for both established operators and new entrants. Applicants seeking one of the six reserved social equity licenses must first complete the certification process by September 29, 2025 and obtain certification in order to apply for a social equity retail license. For existing clients and prospective applicants, now is the time to prepare. Social equity applicants should prioritize certification as soon as possible, while all applicants should begin assembling the...
PLDO Facilitates Génere Expansion in New England with Warwick Poultry Acquisition
The Génere Family of Businesses, through Rhode Island owned Red’s Farm LLC, has acquired Warwick Poultry Co., Inc., a 75-year-old family-owned wholesale distributor of fresh and frozen poultry and meat products. The acquisition strategically integrates Warwick Poultry’s specialized product offerings and restaurant and retail distribution channels into Génere’s already diverse portfolio of wholesale food offerings. As with its prior acquisitions, Génere is committed to preserving Warwick Poultry’s long-standing reputation for customer service while strengthening local food distribution and product offerings. Together, the companies represent more than 125 employees, four warehouses, and over 30 trucks serving New England. Partner Benjamin...
Employment Law Advisory: Preparing Your Business for State and Federal Changes
Rhode Island Expands Workplace Protections to Include Menopause Rhode Island has become the first state in the nation to define menopause as a protected class under its Fair Employment Practices Act (RIFEPA). The new amendment requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing menopause, perimenopause, or related medical conditions. What Employers Should Know: Update policies: Review employee handbooks and anti-discrimination policies to reflect menopause as a protected class. Train managers and HR: Ensure staff understand the RIFEPA and ADA interactive process for accommodation requests. Prepare for accommodation requests: Expect increased requests for flexible scheduling or environmental adjustments....
Trusts & Estates, Legacy Briefly, Newsletter
This edition of our Trusts & Estates newsletter kicks off the New Year with a fresh look at fiduciary responsibility, estate planning updates, and long-term legacy building. From a practical “trustee bootcamp” on fiduciary duties, to why your will may be due for a seasonal refresh, our attorneys explore how annual check-ins can prevent costly oversights. We also take a longer view—examining dynasty and purpose trusts for multigenerational planning—and close with a reminder that true financial fitness starts with a strong, up-to-date estate plan. Whether you’re a trustee, business owner, or planning for the future of your family, this issue offers timely insights to start the year on solid footing. To see the January 2026 edition of...
General Assembly Returns After Winter Recess, Blizzard of ’26
Lawmakers returned to work on Thursday, February 26 after their mid-February winter recess and after a historic blizzard canceled session and committee hearings on Tuesday, February 24 and Wednesday, February 25. To date, over 1,100 bills have been introduced in the House while over 700 bills have been introduced in the Senate. With the exception of the COVID shortened 2020 session, approximately 2,500 to 2,600 total bills are introduced during any given General Assembly session, so we expect to see more bills introduced now that lawmakers are back. The bulk of these bill introductions will come over the next few weeks. Although committee hearings began in January, committees will truly begin meeting in earnest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or...
Cannabis Retail Licensing Update: How Rhode Island’s Rollout is Taking Shape
Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission is working through how licenses will be allocated, and exactly how many will be issued for the rollout of new adult use cannabis retail licenses. Originally, the state expected to issue 24 new retail licenses across six geographic zones (pictured right), with a maximum of four licenses per zone. Under that model, six licenses would be reserved for certified social equity applicants, six for worker-owned cooperatives, and the remaining 12 for general retail applicants. However, the Commission’s plan to evenly distribute licenses has been complicated by an uneven concentration of the nearly 100 applications submitted across each zone. 31 applications were received for Zone 6, which includes East...
Holyoke Revives Its Waterpower Legacy: A Modern Public-Private Partnership for a Sustainable Future
Since its settlement in 1745, its location on the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts has shaped the destiny of the City of Holyoke. Access to reliable, high-quality water and wastewater treatment infrastructure has long been essential to supporting the city’s growth, industry and quality of life. PLDO’s attorneys are proud to have been members of the technical team that helped the City renew its legacy through the procurement of a recently-executed innovative long-term contract for the operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater, stormwater and flood control facilities. The contract went beyond just infrastructure and operations; the new contractor will be an active partner with the City in its effort to seek a 21st century...
PLDO Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America
We are happy to announce that thirteen of our attorneys have been named Best Lawyers in America, and three more have earned a spot on the Ones to Watch list. These honors shine a light on the skill, dedication, and reputation our team has built within the legal community. Recognized nationwide as the gold standard, Best Lawyers® helps clients connect with trusted, peer-reviewed counsel, and we’re proud to be counted among the best. Congratulations to: Gene M. Carlino, Trusts and Estates William P. Devereaux, Criminal Defense: General Practice & White-Collar Joseph M. DiOrio, Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation - Bankruptcy Leah A. Foertsch, Trusts and...
2025 Rhode Island General Assembly Recesses
The Rhode Island General Assembly recessed shortly before 2:00am on Saturday, June 21. Nearly 2,600 bills were introduced by legislators during the 2025 session. When the 2025 legislative session began on January 7th, RI lawmakers filed into the state house staring down a $250 million deficit. As is true most every session, and especially under the pressure of a growing deficit, the budget bill (budget) was the most important piece of legislation this year. Transmitted to Governor McKee on June 21, the budget bill became effective without his signature on June 29 for Fiscal Year 2026 beginning on July 1. Among the budget’s more noteworthy provisions are the following: Non-Owner-Occupied Tax. Dubbed the “Taylor Swift tax,” the budget...
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