After a rigorous application and interview process, CMBG3 attorneys David Goldman and Seta Accaoui, were selected in 2020 to be members of the 2021 Leadership Rhode Island class. They are nearing the end of the yearlong thought-provoking program that is nationally recognized for its leadership training and community development work, and are slated for graduation on October 20, 2021.

Throughout the year, David, Seta and the rest of the class of 75 Rhode Island leaders have met at least once a month for full day sessions to hear from and interact with experts, advocates, policymakers, and government officials involved in issues confronting Rhode Island. They have helped address and combat issues the state faces by applying their community leadership skills to problem solve with different perspectives among the diverse pool of talent.   Sessions have included healthcare, housing, education, national defense, crime and incarceration, and the fine arts.  Healthy and vigorous debate and discussion is the norm as the class wrestles with complex issues facing the state and works to develop solutions.

David and Seta are committed both personally and professionally to the state of Rhode Island, and although their Leadership Rhode Island class ends in October, this commitment will not end with it.  Each class member must draft and follow through with both a personal contract and a group contract.  David and Seta, in conjunction with CMBG3’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee have taken on a social contract assignment centered on education. They reached out to their class member Mayor Maria Rivera who connected them with Central Falls High School and after meeting with school officials, decided to set up a scholarship and mentorship opportunity for a senior member of the Central Falls High School class, and will work on an education day for Central Falls students interested in pursuing a legal career in hopes of helping diversify the profession.

David’s subgroup of seven class members is working with a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island, Lanre Ajankaiye, on a Design Sprint to help facilitate Lanre’s goal of developing 25 Bough Street in the Olneyville section of Providence into a community resource for education, youth development, commerce etc.  A link to Rhode Island Monthly’s article about Lanre and his project can be found here:  https://www.rimonthly.com/interview-lanre-ajakaiye-of-25-bough-street/

Seta Accaoui and her group will focus on combatting homelessness in the state of Rhode Island on an individual level, organization level and advocacy level to help those who need help the most. Her group will be working with CrossRoads, Rhode Island, a non-profit organization serving Rhode Islanders in need for 125 years and that provides housing and housing-related services to more than 3,000 people a year. This assistance will be crucial as the state will deal with a wave of housing issues following the lift of the eviction moratorium. The organization will need as much support as they can receive as they continue to provide individuals and families a safe place to stay during the pandemic. In addition, they are working collaboratively to sponsor a local Rhode Island family in need and working on advocating for additional funding to extend the eviction moratorium and to provide those who need rental relief.

CMBG3 has an active litigation practice in Rhode Island.  In addition to defending a number of clients involved in Rhode Island’s asbestos litigation, CMBG3 is also currently defending clients involved in breach of contract cases in both Rhode Island state and federal court.

David Goldman (left, seated) speaks to a fellow Leadership Rhode Island member.

Seta Accoui listens to presenters during a Leadership Rhode Island class.

David and Seta present with their groups on their course projects that give back to the Rhode Island community.