The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed a rule that would allow the DOJ to internally review state bar complaints against its attorneys and potentially delay or restrict state disciplinary investigations while that review is ongoing.

The Rhode Island Bar Association (RIBA) has submitted formal comments expressing concern that the proposal could undermine the longstanding authority of states through their judiciaries to regulate and discipline attorneys. In Rhode Island, attorney regulation is a core judicial function, and the proposed rule risks interfering with that independent structure.

The comments highlight that the rule could delay or hinder established disciplinary processes, introduce potential conflicts through employer-led review, and place DOJ attorneys in tension with their professional obligations to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.

The Association is particularly concerned that the proposal could weaken transparency, diminish timely accountability, and erode public confidence in the integrity of the legal profession.

Please click here to read the submitted comment.

Heartfelt Appreciation to you this February

Thank you to all of you for demonstrating your love of Justice for All. If you are not already a member of the Volunteer Lawyer Program, Pro Bono Program for the Elderly or US Armed Forces Legal Services Project and would like more information on the many pro bono opportunities available in many areas of civil law, please contact Susan Fontaine at sfontaine@ribar.com or give her a call at 401-421-7758. We would love to hear from you!  

Help us Increase our Service to the Community

The Bar Association’s public service programs are in major need of Spanish-speaking attorney members. If you or your staff speak Spanish or other languages, please seriously consider joining the Lawyer Referral Service and/or one of the pro bono programs. If you are already a member and do speak another language, please let us know by emailing Amy Rodriguez, arodriguez@ribar.com, or give her a call at 401-421-7799.

New Year, New Clients

The Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) offers you a major opportunity to obtain new clients while you provide a public service. For only $8.00 a month we can help market your practice and increase your client base. New members may join now for the special price of only $50.00 until September 2026 at which time you can choose to renew for the annual membership fee of only $100.00. (New members practicing for 5 years or less may join now for only $25.00)

Joining is an easy process! Applications are available for completion on the Bar Association website at www.ribar.com. You may contact Elisa King directly by email, eking@ribar.com or phone her at 401-421-7799 to receive an application and further details.

LRS Notes

We are receiving an ever-growing number of requests for referrals through our Lawyer Referral Service for attorneys who handle Landlord/Tenant, Education, Medical Licensing, and Immigration cases.  If you are interested in joining now at a discount and handling these matters along with your other practice areas, please contact us as soon as possible.  

If you are a current member of the LRS and already practice in these areas, we would appreciate your confirmation by email to eking@ribar.com, or give her a call at the number listed above.

We very much appreciate your continued support and participation in the Lawyer Referral Service.

CLE Opportunity

If you are a member of the VLP, Pro Bono Program for the Elderly, or US Armed Forces Legal Services Project, please contact the public services staff for more information on how you can attend the upcoming, “Elder Law Planning Across Every Stage” seminar(s) free of charge on September 10 and September 17. This offer is extended to the first 10 interested volunteer attorneys who agree to accept a pro bono case as part of the registration process. Please contact us at 401-421-7758/ 401- 521-5040, or email Elisa or John as noted below.

Summertime Need

Thank you to everyone who accepted a pro bono case at this year’s Annual Meeting in June and to all of you who support our public service efforts. We still have many clients in desperate need of your expertise in a variety of civil law matters.  If you are interested in taking one of these cases, please contact John Ellis or Elisa King today. Don’t miss the opportunity to Carry Justice Forward and we will send you a RIBA golf shirt/hat.   

 Please take a moment to review the Pro Bono Cases appearing on the Bar Association's website banner.  These noteworthy cases are waiting for placement and are updated weekly in different areas of law. Please contact us for more details.

APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH 

National Volunteer Month is the perfect time to recognize and acknowledge the far-reaching positive impact volunteer attorneys make to the lives of low-income persons. 

We thank you for participating in the Bar’s Volunteer Lawyer Program, Pro Bono Program for the Elderly, and the US Armed Forces Legal Services Project.  The Bar’s pro bono programs facilitate the placement of several hundred pro bono cases annually, but new members are always needed to join to increase the provision of legal protections.  Please consider joining today to provide representation for our most vulnerable population. 

Members of our pro bono programs report satisfying and unique experiences that sometimes open doors for their practice.  Whether you have been an attorney for years or it is the beginning of your career, pro bono cases can provide the opportunity to explore new areas of law. Please note, seasoned members of the Bar are available as mentors through the pro bono programs.  

Once again, this year, any pro bono program members who accept a pro bono case during April will be entered into a drawing to win a complimentary ticket to this year’s excellent Annual Meeting being held at the Convention Center on June 11 & 12. Two lucky winners will be notified the first week of May. 

Please feel free to contact Public Services Director, Susan Fontaine, at 401-421-7758 for any questions and/or to join.  

If you are not already a member, please consider joining today.  We are continually grateful for your dedication and volunteer spirit. 

Clients are Springing Up at LRS 

The Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) offers you a major opportunity to obtain new clients while you provide a public service. For only $8.00 a month we can help market your practice and increase your client base. New members may join now for the special price of only $35.00 until September 2026 at which time you can choose to renew for the annual membership fee of only $100.00. 

Joining is an easy process!  Applications are available for completion on the Bar Association website at ribar.com. You may also contact Amy Rodriguez directly to receive an application or call at 401-421-7799.  If you have any questions about the referral process or more detailed information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  

 We look forward to sending you referrals!

The Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI) is looking for 3 Rhode Island lawyers to serve as hearing officers on a rotating basis for contested matters. 

ERSRI provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to state employees, public school teachers, judges, state police, participating municipal police and fire employees, and general employees of participating municipalities.  In accordance with ERSRIs Regulations (120-RICR-00-00-1.4) entitled Rules of Practice and Procedure for Hearings in Contested Cases, Members aggrieved by an administrative action have the right to appeal that action and to have a hearing before an individual appointed by the Retirement Board to hear and decide their contested case. See the full regulation here:  https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/120-00-00-1  

For additional information including duties, responsibilities, qualifications and rates, please reach out directly to me at gayle.mambro-martin@ersri.org or 401.462.7616. 

Thank you. 

As scams become more sophisticated, we would like to remind our members to stay safe and exercise caution. Learn more about a recent scam targeting attorneys.

Last month, a RIBA member was contacted by an individual claiming to represent a solar energy company seeking legal assistance with a solar lease matter in Rhode Island. The RI attorney sent an engagement agreement that clearly required electronic payment for services rendered and specified that no upfront retainers would be accepted.

Shortly thereafter, the individual sent a draft agreement and asked the attorney to review it for compliance with Rhode Island law. The attorney reviewed and revised the document and issued an invoice for approximately $865, again noting that electronic payment was required under the engagement agreement.

Instead of paying the invoice electronically, the attorney later received a courier-delivered envelope containing a letter from a finance company along with a check for $385,000 drawn on a U.S. bank. The attorney recognized the check as fraudulent due to irregularities and did not deposit it.

This type of scam typically attempts to pressure attorneys to deposit a fraudulent check and quickly disburse funds before the bank determines the check is invalid. Members are encouraged to remain cautious when approached by unknown parties seeking legal services, particularly when unsolicited checks or requests to transfer funds are involved.

Did you know RIBA committees can sponsor up to three free CLE credits each year? These Committee CLE programs are open to all Bar members, not just committee members, and offer an opportunity to earn CLE credit while exploring topics across a range of practice areas. The programs listed below highlight upcoming Committee CLE offerings in March. 

Superior Court Bench/Bar Committee Sponsors Default & Default Judgement CLE 

RIBA’s Superior Court Bench/Bar Committee is sponsoring a free-to-Bar-members, virtual Committee CLE seminar. On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm, the Committee’s Co-Chairs, Matthew Reeber, Esq., and Jennifer Sylvia, Esq., will present Defaults and Default Judgments Under Rule 55: Procedures, Pitfalls, and Practice Tips. In McCormick v. Narragansett Improvement Co., Inc., 314 A.3d 963, 966 (R.I. 2024) and Ferris v. Progressive Cas. Ins. Co., 263 A.3d 1247, 1250–51 (R.I. 2021), the Rhode Island Supreme Court addressed attempts by two defendants to vacate the entry of default.  In each case, the Rhode Island Supreme Court found that the defendant insufficiently met its burden to remove a default.  

The Court stated that “unexplained neglect” is always insufficient to remove a default, explained what facts must appear in an affidavit seeking to remove a default; and that unsupported representations by counsel are not enough to remove a default.  This CLE will review both the McCormick and Ferris decisions and provide guidance on how to remove a default and avoid a default judgment.    

Space is limited! Click here to register for the program.  

Government Lawyers Committee Sponsors Introduction to Municipal Law CLE 

RIBA’s Government Lawyers Committee is sponsoring a free-to-Bar-members, one-credit, virtual Committee CLE seminar. On March 30, 2026, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm, Amy Goins, Esq. will present Municipal Law Introduction. T

This session prepares attendees for practice before municipal boards, including licensing boards, land use boards, and city/town councils. An overview of key concepts from the RI Code of Ethics, the Opening Meetings Act, and the Access to Public Records Act will be included. 

This program will be the second of the Government Lawyer’s Practical Law Series on Government/Administrative Law, which will provide attorneys with practical skills when interacting with governmental entities both at the state and municipal levels. This series is encouraged for attorneys both within and outside of government employment. 

Space is limited! Click here to register for the program. 

Please note: Even if you are a member of the sponsoring committee, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.  For any questions, please contact Communications Coordinator NaKeisha Torres at ntorres@ribar.com.

Have You Reported Your Hours?

Don’t forget to report your 2025 pro bono hours! If you are a member of the Volunteer Lawyer Program, US Armed Forces Legal Services Project, or Pro Bono Program for the Elderly and have donated 30 or more hours, you will receive coupons that can be used for either three 1-credit or one 3-credit CLE seminar sponsored by the Bar Association. To date over 40 of your colleagues have received their coupons. Please email Elisa King to report your pro bono hours. You may also call 401-421-7758.   

Increase the Green this Spring with LRS!

The Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service can be a significant business generator for your practice for just several dollars a month, whether you are a longstanding member of the Bar or recently admitted. Don’t hesitate any longer to find out how you can profit from an LRS membership while expanding the public’s access to legal representation and your visibility in the community. 

With thousands of referrals made in 2025, don’t miss out on increasing your client base in 2026.  New members may join this month for only $35.00 until September 2026 at which time you can choose to renew for the annual membership fee of just $100.00.  Please email Elisa King for further details or call 401-421-7799. 

Save the Date: Rhode Island Bar Association Annual Meeting
June 11-12, 2026 | Rhode Island Convention Center

Rhode Island Bar Association’s Annual Meeting returns on Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, 2026, bringing Rhode Island’s legal community together once again at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

We are pleased to welcome Mitch Jackson, an award-winning trial lawyer, author, and nationally recognized legal technology thought leader, as our Thursday plenary speaker. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience and extensive work at the intersection of law and emerging technology, Mr. Jackson cuts through fear-driven headlines and high-profile sanctions to focus on what is possible when AI is used with clarity, intention, and confidence.

We are honored to announce a distinguished judicial panel for our Friday plenary session, featuring Hon. Melissa R. DuBose, Hon. William E. Smith, and Hon. John R. Tunheim. Judge Tunheim, a Senior United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota, brings a national perspective to this timely discussion, joined by Judges DuBose and Smith, whose deep experience in Rhode Island’s courts offers a valuable local insight. Together, the panel will explore how lawyers and judges alike can promote civic understanding, model professionalism, and strengthen public trust in the rule of law.

As always, the program includes our popular case law updates, alongside a wide range of workshops addressing current legal trends, professional responsibility, and practice management. New for this year, the Annual Meeting will also include multiple programs eligible for DEI credit. Workshop topics include:  

• Coastal Resiliency and Shoreline Access
• Malpractice & Disciplinary Complaints
• Rhode Island Special Education Law
• Legal Responses to Online Harassment & Digital Exploitation
• The Rhode Island Constitution
• Immigration Myths & Realities
• Rhode Island’s Last Execution
• Practicing with Respect
• Workers’ Compensation Court 101

This year’s meeting includes several scheduling updates informed by member feedback, with an emphasis on improving the overall flow of the program.

We look forward to welcoming members back in person for two days of learning, connection, and professional growth! Additional program details will be shared in the coming months.

Did you know SupportLinc offers confidential, on-demand support for attorneys? This FREE member resource includes Textcoach®, a secure way to connect with a licensed clinician anytime, anywhere.

What is Textcoach®?
Textcoach® is like having a personal “Coach” in your pocket to help attorneys balance long work hours with the demands of home, family life and more.

Textcoach® Features:

• A stigma-free access point
• Independently licensed clinicians, also known as “Coaches”
• Connect with a Coach via desktop or mobile device
• Texting whenever and wherever
• Voice notes, tip sheets, articles, videos and more
• Referrals to local mental health professionals
• 100% confidentiality

Whether you’re managing stress, burnout, or work-life balance, Textcoach® is there to support you quietly and on your terms.

To access SupportLinc's services online, members will need to create an account and enter the group code ribalap.

While accessing SupportLinc’s online portal requires minimal demographic information, that information is never shared with the Bar and remains fully confidential. Members may also call the SupportLinc helpline at 866-482-8378 for 24/7 confidential support for themselves or their dependents—no personal information is required to use the helpline.

In addition to Textcoach®, the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee (LHL) wants to remind you that support is available whenever you need it. Life as a lawyer can be demanding, and our goal is to ensure that you have access to confidential help and resources to navigate personal and professional challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need someone to talk to, you may reach out to a member of the LHL Committee for peer support from fellow Rhode Island attorneys who understand the unique pressures of the profession.

To learn more about our resources, please visit our Confidential Attorney Support & Wellness page. Whatever the problem, you do not have to manage alone. Don't forget: taking care of yourself is part of sustaining a long and healthy legal career.