Rhode Island CLE Requirements

Attorneys must complete 10 credit hours yearly to comply with the Rhode Island CLE requirements.

The compliance deadline for completing CLE credits in Rhode Island is June 30th each year.

Rhode Island attorneys must include at least 2 hours of ethics in their annual CLE credits. Starting January 1, 2025, 1 hour of diversity, equity, and inclusion credit will also be required annually.

Yes, up to 6 of the required 10 credit hours can be completed through on-demand video-replay courses. The remaining credits must be acquired through live sessions, including in-person, teleseminar, or webcast/webinars.

Attorneys should contact the Rhode Island MCLE Commission to discuss possible extensions or report any circumstances affecting their compliance.

Yes, the Rhode Island Bar requires additional credit types beyond general and ethics credits. Attorneys must complete two ethics credits annually, with no additional specific requirements for mental health, substance abuse, or diversity credits.

In Rhode Island, attorneys self-report CLE credits. The Rhode Island Bar Association facilitates this process, providing mechanisms for online reporting directly through its website.

The Rhode Island Bar Association's website provides information on approved CLE providers and specific courses. It lists all accredited programs and any special credit categories they fulfill.

New attorneys in Rhode Island must complete a mandatory "Rhode Island Bridge the Gap" course. If an attorney has been admitted in another jurisdiction for at least three years, they may be exempt from this requirement by submitting a certificate of good standing.