Rhode Island Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Rhode Island CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	10 credit hours per compliance period (annually)
Ethics / Professionalism	2 hours required each year
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webinar, or on-demand (if accredited)
On-Demand / Self-Study Cap	Up to 6 hours may be earned through on-demand or self-study
Compliance Period	July 1 – June 30 each year
Reporting Deadline	June 30 (completion) and July 30 (reporting)
Carryover Credit	Up to 10 general hours may carry forward; ethics may not
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, inactive members, retired attorneys, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Rhode Island Supreme Court CLE Portal

Overview

Rhode Island attorneys must complete 10 CLE credit hours each year, including 2 hours in ethics or professionalism. The compliance year runs from July 1 through June 30, and attorneys must report completion by July 30 through the Rhode Island Supreme Court’s MCLE online portal.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• 10 total CLE hours required annually
• Of those, 2 hours must be in ethics or professionalism
• Up to 6 hours per year may be completed through on-demand or self-study courses
• The remaining hours must come from live or interactive CLE programs
• Attorneys may earn credit for teaching, writing, or participating in bar-sponsored educational activities
• Courses must be accredited by the Rhode Island Supreme Court MCLE Commission

Compliance Period

• CLE compliance runs annually from July 1 through June 30
• All credits must be completed by June 30 of each year
• Attorneys must certify CLE compliance by July 30

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE through the Rhode Island Supreme Court MCLE Portal
• CLE providers may also report attendance, but attorneys are responsible for verifying their transcript
• The MCLE Commission issues notices to attorneys who have not reported by July 30
• Late reporting results in a $75 late fee and potential deficiency notice

Carryover Rules

• Up to 10 general CLE hours may carry forward into the next compliance period
• Ethics or professionalism credits cannot carry forward

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the first full compliance year after admission but must complete the Bridge the Gap Program within 12 months
• Inactive, retired, and judicial members are exempt while in those statuses
• Attorneys may apply for extensions or waivers due to illness, military service, or hardship
• CLE requirements may be reduced for attorneys age 70 or older

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by the Rhode Island Supreme Court MCLE Commission
• Out-of-state CLE programs accredited in another MCLE jurisdiction may qualify for Rhode Island credit
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit through:
  • Teaching accredited CLE or law school courses
  • Writing and publishing legal materials
  • Participating in bar-related educational programs
• Providers must maintain attendance records for 3 years

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to complete or report CLE receive a Notice of Noncompliance
• A $75 late fee applies for reports filed after July 30
• Continued noncompliance may result in administrative suspension by the Rhode Island Supreme Court
• Reinstatement requires completion of CLE, proof of compliance, and payment of all applicable fees

How to Report CLE in Rhode Island

1. Complete 10 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, by June 30
2. Log in to the Rhode Island Supreme Court MCLE Portal
3. Verify your transcript and confirm attendance records
4. Submit your certification of compliance by July 30
5. Retain certificates and supporting documentation for audit

Rhode Island CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Rhode Island?

10 hours annually, including 2 in ethics or professionalism.

Can I complete CLE online?

Yes. Up to 6 hours per year may be completed through on-demand or self-study courses.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

Yes. Up to 10 general hours may carry forward, but ethics credits cannot.

Who is exempt from CLE in Rhode Island?

Newly admitted attorneys (first year), inactive or retired members, and judges.

What is the Bridge the Gap Program?

A mandatory educational program for new Rhode Island attorneys to complete within 12 months of admission.

What happens if I fail to complete or report CLE?

You’ll be charged a late fee and risk administrative suspension if deficiencies are not corrected.

Rhode Island CLE Resources

• Rhode Island MCLE Commission: https://www.courts.ri.gov/AttorneyResources/MCLE/
• CLE Rules (Article IV, Rule 3): https://www.courts.ri.gov/PublicResources/supremecourtrules/
• CLE Reporting Portal: https://mcle.courts.ri.gov/
• Bridge the Gap Program Info: https://www.courts.ri.gov/AttorneyResources/MCLE/Pages/BridgeTheGap.aspx