CLE Program Proposals
The Rhode Island Bar Association CLE Committee is dedicated to providing a comprehensive curriculum that combines substantive legal education with practical training to benefit our members.
We encourage Bar Committees and all members of the Bar to submit program proposals that offer practical, real-world insights that attorneys can apply in their daily practice.
All submitted proposals must be educational, objective, and relevant to the practice of law. If your goal is to connect with our members in a marketing or business development capacity, please contact Communications Coordinator NaKeisha Torres at ntorres@ribar.com to learn more about sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities.
To submit a proposal, click on the link below and fill out the online form.
Download and submit: CLE Program Proposal (Word)
For information on accrediting guidelines for legal ethics or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) credits, please consult Appendix A of the MCLE Rules and Regulations. Rhode Island attorneys must complete 10 CLE credits per year, including 2 ethics credits and 1 DEI credit.
If you have any questions, contact CLE Director Madeline Benner at mbenner@ribar.com.
Program Review & Approval Process
All CLE proposals are reviewed by the RIBA CLE Committee. The CLE Director will notify program planners of approval, denial, or suggested modifications and will coordinate program details, including date, time, and format.
RIBA reserves the right to determine the final program format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid).
Speaker Responsibilities
Speakers are responsible for:
- Developing and presenting content in a professional, substantive, and engaging manner.
- Ensuring CLE materials align with approved learning objectives.
- Coordinating with co-panelists and the CLE Director to finalize details.
- Submitting all required materials by the agreed-upon deadline.
Program Materials Requirements
Written materials are required for all CLE programs and must provide value beyond the live presentation.
Acceptable materials include outlines, case law summaries, articles, or slides with speaker notes. Materials guidance, including preparation, formatting, and submission deadlines, may be provided by the CLE Department as needed. Speakers with questions should contact the CLE Director.
Publication & Distribution of CLE Materials
Submission of program materials grants the Rhode Island Bar Association the right to publish, distribute, and sell CLE materials as part of its educational resources.
RIBA may edit materials for formatting, clarity, usability, and consistency. Speakers retain ownership of their content but grant RIBA a non-exclusive license to use, distribute, and sell submitted materials. No additional approval is required for publication beyond CLE acceptance.
Additional Speaker Guidance
CLE speakers are expected to adhere to the Bar’s general CLE Speaker Resources, which outline additional responsibilities and expectations applicable to all CLE speakers.
CLE Accreditation
RIBA obtains accreditation for all Bar-sponsored CLE programs in accordance with Rhode Island Supreme Court MCLE regulations.
For non-Bar-sponsored programs: Other sponsors seeking CLE accreditation must contact the RI Supreme Court MCLE Commission directly at (401) 222-4942 or click here to visit their website.