V. Edward Formisano

Edward Formisano is one of Rhode Island's foremost civil rights and employment law attorneys, with over three decades of dedicated advocacy on behalf of individuals facing violations by both employers and law enforcement. Though his practice emphasizes employment law—where he has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients—he is equally committed to police accountability work, specifically targeting civil rights violations and misconduct by police and municipal officers throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Formisano brings a practical yet aggressive approach to civil rights litigation. He believes in exhausting non-trial options first—mediation, arbitration, negotiation—to preserve client privacy and minimize distress when possible. But when a case requires courtroom advocacy, he is prepared and fearless. His track record includes settlements and verdicts totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in police misconduct cases, including notable results in Paiva v. City of East Providence, Skwirz v. Town of South Kingstown, Kestler v. City of Pawtucket, and Marqus v. Town of Cumberland.

Formisano is active in multiple professional organizations, including the National Employment Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Section, the Rhode Island and American Associations for Justice, and serves as a Cooperating Attorney with the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union. He frequently appears before federal district courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Beyond the courtroom, he is a regular speaker to lawyers and law students on both employment law and civil rights advocacy.

Formisano's philosophy centers on taking on power imbalances—whether in the workplace or in encounters with authority. He is not afraid to challenge large corporations, municipalities, or government systems, and his clients consistently report that his personal investment in their cases sets him apart. He operates with what former clients describe as grace and ease, combining deep legal knowledge with genuine compassion for individuals facing injustice.