Riding the coattails of the federal Affordable Care Act, Rhode Island lawmakers are considering major steps to eliminate “gender rating” in the state’s health-insurance industry. The practice, which has been called everything from “discriminatory” against women to “simply data-driven,” could be eradicated in the Ocean State by 2015, under a Senate-passed bill. more

During pretrial discovery in litigation, an organization must produce witnesses to testify on its behalf at depositions. Officers and managers often consider depositions to constitute an inconvenience to business operations, as witnesses must adjust their work schedules for several hours and perhaps entire workdays to answer questions under oath at a lawyer’s office. more

Adler Pollock & Sheehan PC has opened a new location in Newport, the law firm announced Tuesday, adding that the business law practice will seek to assist members of the Newport County business community with issues ranging from environmental litigation to corporate and real estate use. more

As a lawyer who focuses on social media issues, I am often asked whether employers should “block” their employees from accessing Facebook during working hours. These employers are concerned that their employees are wasting time online, engaging in inappropriate online behavior and exposing their companies to liability. more

Need to wind down a little bit? Most of us do. more

“Our work is never done,” said Renee Evangelista, co-partner-in-charge of Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP’s Rhode Island offices. “To retain and motivate our talented group of lawyers and staff, we are always looking for ways to improve our workplace.” more

From top brass to junior attorneys, paralegals and receptionist, the staff at Taylor Duane Barton & Gilman LLP in Providence work together and play together. And occasionally listen to really loud music. more

Many U.S. states and cities have approved measures to help fix poorly funded public pensions. Now courts will decide if they are legal or not. more

The R.I. Economic Development Corporation has hired Providence law firm Wistow & Barylick to pursue legal action against “third parties” connected with the 38 Studios LLC loan guarantee, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee announced Tuesday. more

The town of West Warwick and the Warwick Police Department landed $125,000 and $500,000, respectively, from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. more