Giving Back to Our Profession and Community

Patrick A. Guida
President, Rhode Island Bar Association

“The spirit of giving is not confined to the holiday season; it is a year-round commitment that defines our profession."

The Season of Giving 

As we approach the close of the year, we often take time to reflect on what we are grateful for and how we can give back. The holiday season reminds us that generosity takes many forms, often through the contribution of our time and talent, as well as our resources, and the Rhode Island Bar Association is fortunate to have a membership deeply committed to service. In this issue, I want to highlight several ways each of us can give back to the legal profession and our community. 

I. Giving Back Through the Rhode Island Bar Foundation 

The Rhode Island Bar Foundation, founded in 1953, is a charitable, independent organization with a mission to foster the honor and integrity of the legal profession, strengthen legal education, and improve the administration of justice in our state. Although distinct from the Bar Association, we share common goals and a close partnership with the Foundation. The Foundation owns the Rhode Island Law Center, where both the Bar and Foundation are headquartered, and it provides meaningful opportunities for us to support the next generation of lawyers and the broader legal community. 

Scholarships 

Starting in January 2026, the Bar Foundation will begin accepting applications for scholarships totaling up to $150,000 for Rhode Island residents entering their first year of law school in September 2026. These competitive, one-year, non-renewable awards recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to service. 

• Thomas F. Black, Jr. Memorial Scholarships –Two $25,000 awards honoring the late Thomas F. Black, Jr., recognizing outstanding promise and financial need. 

• Nicole J. Benjamin Scholarship – One $25,000 award recognizing leadership potential and service, established in honor of Past RIBA President Nicole J. Benjamin’s contributions to the legal community. 

• Patrice A. Tarantino Memorial Scholarship – One $25,000 award created in memory of Patrice Tarantino, the late wife of Past Bar Association and Foundation President John A. Tarantino, honoring her legacy. 

• Papitto Opportunity Connection Scholarships – Two $25,000 awards supporting candidates dedicated to uplifting underserved communities. 

Bar Members may make donations to these scholarship programs or make unrestricted donations to the Foundation to help meet administrative needs and sustain these important programs. 

IOLTA Grants 

Beyond scholarships, the Foundation gives back through the contribution of the Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program. Even though IOLTA funds are generated from members’ client trust accounts rather than direct donations, IOLTA grants provide millions of dollars in support of Rhode Island organizations working to: 

• Deliver legal services to the poor. 

• Improve the delivery of legal services. 

• Promote public knowledge and awareness of the law. 

• Strengthen the administration of justice. 

Recent IOLTA grants have ranged from $10,000 to $794,000, underscoring the tremendous impact of this program. 

II. Giving Back Through Public Service 

Another way to make a difference is by donating your time and expertise. Our Bar’s public service programs are vital to meeting the legal needs of Rhode Islanders who might otherwise go without representation. 

• Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) – Connects the public to attorneys across nearly all practice areas. Includes a free 30-minute consultation and outreach opportunities for panel attorneys. 

• Reduced Fee Program – Extends affordable legal help to clients up to 250% of the federal poverty guideline, with hourly fees capped at $100. 

• Legal Information & Referral Service for the Elderly – Offers seniors reduced-fee or pro bono legal services, plus annual outreach clinics and partnerships with guardianship programs. 

• Lawyers for the Arts – Provides pro bono or reduced-fee legal help to artists and arts organizations in need. 

• 
Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP) – Our flagship pro bono program, addressing high-need areas such as family law, bankruptcy, collections, guardianship, and eviction, among others. 

• United States Armed Forces Legal Services Project – Assists active-duty service members and veterans (and their families) with civil legal needs through direct representation. 

Through these initiatives, members can make an immediate and tangible difference in the lives of clients who need us most. 

III. Giving Back Through Law Related Education (LRE) 

In addition to direct representation, you can also give back by helping to educate our community about the law. The Bar’s Law Related Education programs allow attorneys to work with students and the public to build legal knowledge and civic engagement. 

Opportunities include: 

• Lawyers in the Classroom – This program offers attorneys an opportunity to respond to a request from an educator to meet with a classroom of students at a mutually convenient time to discuss a legal issue or issues identified by the educator. 

• Law Day – Scheduled for May 1, 2026, and otherwise on the first Friday in May, when a lawyer/judge team visits a classroom to lead a discussion on a national Law Day theme. 

• Constitution Day – Scheduled for November 14, 2025, this year and otherwise on a fall date when an attorney and a judge meet with students to discuss a Constitution-related issue. 

• Storytime with Lawyers – An attorney meets with an elementary school class to read a law-related story and then discuss issues of fairness, problem-solving and respect for others. 

• Shadow a Lawyer – High School students spend a day in an attorney’s office to observe, firsthand, the practice of law and learn about different legal careers. 

• Speakers Bureau – An attorney addresses an adult community organization on a law-related topic of interest as requested by the organization. 

Requests are ongoing, and staff support is available to help volunteers prepare materials. Even a short visit to a classroom or community event can leave a lasting impact. 

IV. Giving Back Through Education 

Finally, one of the most valuable ways we can serve is by educating our fellow members. The Bar’s CLE programs are strengthened by members who step forward to share their expertise. I especially encourage you to consider presenting Basic Skills courses, which are essential for new lawyers just starting out and for seasoned attorneys exploring new practice areas. Expanding these offerings is a priority for me this year, as they provide the tools and confidence our colleagues need to thrive in their practices. 

Conclusion 

The spirit of giving is not confined to the holiday season; it is a year-round commitment that defines our profession. Whether through supporting the Bar Foundation, volunteering your time for public service, engaging in law related education, or teaching fellow attorneys, each of us has an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. I am grateful for your generosity and proud to serve alongside you all. Let us carry this spirit of giving into the new year and continue to strengthen our profession and community together. Happy holidays to all.