Federal law and precedent involving workplace discrimination based on sexual identity stands in stark contrast to current state laws in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and most "blue" states. However, that could change. Several federal courts have recently recognized that...
PLDO Law Blog
Month: March 2018

Not The Sweet Kind Of “Cookies”: The New Tax On Vendors Making Internet Sales
Sure, it’s the holiday season, but these cookies aren’t the heart-shaped kind that you give your Valentine. These “cookies” are packets of data that businesses rely on to operate their websites. Cookies allow businesses to identify and track users, then customize...

Weddings are (Still) not an “Agricultural Operation”
The Rhode Island Supreme Court recently had the opportunity to review a 2014 amendment to the Right to Farm Act (the "RFA") in The Gerald P. Zarrella Trust et al. v. Town of Exeter et al., SU #2016-301-A. In that matter, the plaintiff sought a declaration that RFA, as...
SHOULD CLIENTS KNOW IF THEIR ATTORNEY USES AI? CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMED CONSENT CONSIDERATIONS
Once safely confined to the realm of science fiction, AI is now an undeniable reality. AI driven tools are rapidly evolving and becoming indispensable across industries, including the legal field. Attorneys now have access to AI-powered research assistants, contract...
DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE “AI” POLICY
Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is now a very real part of our business ecosystem, and will play an increasing role in many companies’ continued growth. Leveraging a business's data assets and the skills of its workforce, there are numerous ways that AI can help...
TO COMPETE OR NOT TO COMPETE
Scrutiny of new and existing noncompetition and nonsolicitation provisions affecting employees and independent contractors has magnified since February 26, 2025. That Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a directive to form a Task Force to examine...
BUSINESSES VS. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: AN UPDATE ON THE ONGOING LEGAL BATTLE OVER THE CTA
The fight over the Corporate Transparency Act drags on as the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network further postpones reporting requirements. PLDO Attorney Javellys Polanco provides the latest update for businesses below: The Corporate Transparency Act, 31 U.S.C. §...
WHY BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING SHOULD BE A PRIORITY IN 2025
Succession planning is a vital yet often neglected component of a comprehensive business strategy. Whether it is a start-up or a ten-year-old business, developing a succession plan is a critical step in ensuring the continuity and long-term stability of any business....