401.521.7000

Richard M. Peirce

Ed Avila

Practice Summary

Richard M. Peirce joined the firm in 1973 after serving for two years as law clerk to the Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. During his career, he has gained a broad range of experience handling both litigation and transactional matters in the areas of labor and employment, commercial and corporate transactions and real estate law. He served for several years as legal counsel to the Capitol Center Commission, which regulates development in the Downtown Providence Capitol Center Special Development District, which includes the State’s most significant retail, office and residential development.

In the area of labor and employment law, Rick has advised a broad range of clients with respect to federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements, employment contracts, severance agreements, and employee handbooks. He has litigated numerous cases in the state and federal courts regarding employment disputes and discrimination claims. He has also represented parties in litigation involving ERISA benefit claims.  He has extensive experience in labor arbitration matters.

Representative Matters

  • Co-authored amicus curiae brief to the Rhode Island Supreme Court on behalf American Arbitration Association concerning unauthorized practice of law in context of labor arbitration.
  • Prevailed in labor arbitration challenging municipality’s subcontracting of custodial services.
  • Prevailed before Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board in unfair labor practice complaint arising out of municipality’s use of non-bargaining unit workers at animal shelter.
  • Obtained summary judgment on breach of duty of fair representation claim, which was affirmed by the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • Secured award in labor interest arbitration worth $60,000 more than opposing party’s final proposal.

Practices

Labor & Employment

Education

University of Maine, J.D. (1971)

College of the Holy Cross, A.B. (1967)

Bar Admissions

  • Rhode Island, 1972
  • Massachusetts, 1972
  • Maine, 1971
  • United States District Court for Rhode Island, 1972 
  • United States District Court for Massachusetts, 1978
  • United States Court of Appeals in the First Circuit, 1978 
  • United States Court of Appeals in the Second Circuit, 1999 

Professional & Community Involvement

  • Rhode Island Bar Association
  • Rhode Island Bar Foundation
  • Somerset-Berkeley Regional School Committee, Chair
  • Somerset Town Moderator (1990-1996)
  • Holy Cross Alumni Association, Board of Directors, Past President