R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-3-22: Right to representation.

A party has the right to be represented by an attorney and may claim such right at any time as to any part of the arbitration or hearings that have not taken place. This right may not be waived. If a party is represented by an attorney, papers to be served on the party shall be served upon the party’s attorney. Any agreement that discriminates against or penalizes a party for retaining the services of counsel in an arbitration is null and void.