Robert P. Brooks, shareholder at Adler Pollock and Sheehan PC, was recently named one of the top 20 most powerful labor attorneys in the nation by Lawdragon Magazine and Human Resource Executive. Candidates for this list usually have impressive recommendations, a list of noteworthy accomplishments and have practiced for more than 20 years. Brooks has represented employers in employment-discrimination matters and a variety of labor arbitration and administrative proceedings. The current chairman of the firm’s labor and employment practice group and a member of its executive and diversity committees, Brooks holds a B.A. from Rhode Island College and a J.D. from Suffolk University. more

With high unemployment rates, employers are receiving more applications than ever before in an attempt to fill what limited job openings they have with the most qualified candidates. When reviewing applications, employers should be aware of the new federal protections in place for criminal ex-offenders. more

In an effort to prepare for the changing health care landscape, Care New England has appointed five of its administrative and physician executives to new roles, the health care organization announced Tuesday. more

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Care New England have signed a letter of intent to reopen their current contract and create a new, five-year “partnership” that repositions reimbursements according to new global payment and quality metrics. more

“Healthier employees are happier employees,” said Dina Pescione, a benefits manager at Amica Mutual Insurance Co. And that happiness factor, she says, has a direct correlation with the positive manner in which customer service is delivered, a key focus of what Amica sees as its competitive edge in insurance. more

The R.I. Department of Labor and Training has rehired seven of the 51 unemployment insurance call center employees that it laid off at the end of July. more

There’s an old adage that professionals should dress for the job they want, not the job they have. more

The Professional Regulation Unit at the R.I. Department of Labor and Training is holding a free series of educational workshops for contractors in the construction industry starting on Monday. more

After 17 years with the company, John Wolfe has been named senior vice president and general manager of Cox Communications, Cox announced Thursday. more

Rhode Island will receive a $330,000 federal grant to help improve the state’s short-time compensation/layoff prevention program known as “WorkShare,” Rhode Island lawmakers announced Wednesday. more