The Rhode Island Supreme Court declines to limit union non-lawyers representation at labor arbitration hearings. The Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee had found a technical violation by the union but sought guidance from the Rhode Island Supreme Court. The Court declined based on several grounds but predominately the Court reasoned the long-standing practice to allow non-lawyers representation, usually someone approved by the unions. The Court’s opinion was thorough and includes a national historical analysis of non-lawyer representation during arbitration hearings as well an informed discourse on Rhode Island’s history. See full Opinion at In re Town of Little Compton, No. 11-101 (February 9, 2012).