Welcome to the new RIBA Roundup! We’ve streamlined our monthly newsletter so you can quickly scan the highlights and click through to the stories, updates, and resources that matter most to you. Dive in now! 

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Storytime with Lawyers Launches During National Reading Week 

RIBA is launching Storytime with Lawyers, a new law-related education program introduced as part of RIBA President Patrick A. Guida’s focus on law-related education. The program will kick off during National Reading Week, March 2–6, 2026, with Rhode Island attorneys visiting elementary classrooms in grades K–3 to read a law-themed children’s book and briefly discuss laws, rules, and the legal profession in an age-appropriate way. Suggested books and guidance will be provided. 

Learn more and sign up! 
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RIBA Rundown 

• House of Delegates – Letters of Interest 
  Interested in serving in RIBA leadership? Learn more here. 

• Award Nominations 
  Now accepting nominations for the 2026 RIBA Awards. View awards here. 

• CLE Corner 
  Explore upcoming CLEs on topics including Landlord/Tenant, Criminal Law, and Law Practice Management. View the calendar here. 

• Save the Date! 2026 Annual Meeting 
  Mark your calendars for the 2026 Annual Meeting, happening June 11 & 12 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. 

• Public Service Corner 
  Get the latest from RIBA’s Public Service Department, including a free Landlord/Tenant CLE and a 75% discount for new lawyers joining the Lawyer Referral Service. Learn more here. 

• RI Bar Foundation Scholarships 
  The Rhode Island Bar Foundation will award six $25,000 law school scholarships to Rhode Island residents. View scholarship information here. 

• Committee CLEs 
  Free upcoming programs sponsored by RIBA committees. View upcoming Committee CLEs here. 

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News from the Court 

• RI Ethics Advisory Panel Opinion 
  Recent Ethics Advisory Panel Opinion: 2026-1 

• RI Supreme Court Amended Orders and Calendar Information 
  Learn about RI Supreme Court Amended Orders and Calendar Information by clicking here. 

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Member Benefit Corner 

• Aon Attorneys Advantage 
  $113,000 is the average cost of a cyber claim against legal organizations and the most common claims include business email compromise (BEC), funds transfer fraud (FTF), and ransomware. Did you know you could be safeguarding your firm with Cyber Liability Insurance…Learn more about how this type of insurance could protect you, your firm, and your clients. 
  
  Read the Aon Attorneys Advantage eBook on Cyber Liability Insurance. 

• Red Cave Tech Tip 
  Wireless, noise-cancelling headphones can be a game-changer for your productivity. Whether you want to listen to silence+, as the noise cancelling feature wipes out your environment – or, just some of your favorite jams – these productivity afterthoughts may be exactly what you’re missing, to get more work done.  
  
  This tech tip is brought to you by the Bar Association’s Law Practice Management  Consultant, Jared Correia, of Red Cave Law Firm Consulting. 

• Learn More About Your RIBA Member Benefits 
  Curious to learn more about your RIBA member benefits? Click here for a complete list. 

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Follow Us on Social Media 

Instagram @RIBarAssociation | LinkedIn RI Bar Association 

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 February. 

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New Lawyers Committee Sponsors Professional Development CLE 

RIBA’s New Lawyers Committee is sponsoring a free-to-Bar-members, one-credit, virtual Committee CLE seminar. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm, RI Bar Journal Editor-in-Chief Eric D. Correira, Esq., CLE Committee Co-Chair, Krista J. Schmitz, Esq., and New Lawyers Committee Co-Chair Hannah Vitello, Esq., will present Beyond the Billable: Growing Your Practice Through Engagement.  

Professional engagement is one of the best ways to build credibility, strengthen connections, and grow your presence in the legal community. Building credibility and trust is authentic marketing. This session highlights how opportunities like writing for the Bar Journal, speaking at CLE programs, and contributing to Bar initiatives can enhance your professional reputation and open new pathways for involvement — including, in some cases, earning CLE credit when applicable. 

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

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Government Lawyers Committee Sponsors Introduction to State Government CLE 

RIBA’s Government Lawyers Committee is sponsoring a free-to-Bar-members, one-credit, virtual Committee CLE seminar. On February 23, 2026, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm, Committee Co-Chair, Mary-Rose Pellegrino Esq. will present State Government Introduction. This session will provide a primer for attendees on the state governmental structure in Rhode Island, a discussion of distinctions between Rhode Island administrative law and federal administrative law, how to assist clients in compliance with state agency regulations and tips for best practices to track state statutory and regulatory changes that impact your clients. 

This program will be the first 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. Additional information on the other programs will be available in the March/April Bar Journal. 

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

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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.

Please Don’t Miss this Opportunity!
Landlord/Tenant Law in Rhode Island: Legal Updates & Practical Guidance 
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 12:00 -1:30 pm  | In-Person Only at the RI Law Center, 41 Sharpe Drive, Cranston 

If you are an active member of the Bar Association's pro bono programs and agree to accept a case through the Elderly Pro Bono Program, Volunteer Lawyer Program or US Armed Forces Legal Services Project you may attend this seminar FREE of Charge.  We also encourage non-members to join a program today.  Your volunteer service through your Bar Association not only expands access to justice for those in greatest need, it's also an opportunity to strengthen your community.  

For further details and to register and/or join, please contact Elisa King at (401) 421-5040 or John Ellis at (401) 421-7758. This offer is open to the first 15 registrants who accept a pro bono case.  

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Let LRS Work for You in 2026! 

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

Last year alone 6,000 plus referrals were made through the full fee LRS program in almost all areas of civil and criminal law.   Additionally, hundreds of referrals were also generated through the optional reduced fee component program and Legal Information & Referral Service for the Elderly. 

Joining is an easy process! Applications are available for completion on the Bar Association website at ribar.com. You may also contact the LRS directly at 401-421-7799 or email Elisa King to receive an application. If you have any questions or want to know more about the LRS, please call us at 401-421-7799 or email us. We look forward to having you as an LRS member. 

Join today and kick start the New Year with new clients! We are looking forward to sending you many referrals.

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2025 Cases Still Needing Placement Including Bankruptcy, Collections, Probate, Landlord/Tenant & Family Law 

Thank you to all of you participating in the Bar Association’s pro bono programs.  Whether this is your first year as a volunteer attorney or your 25th, your representation has made a phenomenal difference in the lives of the neediest members of our Rhode Island community.   

If you are interested in accepting a case still waiting for placement, please contact Elisa King  or John Ellis  for further details about the available cases and/ or information on joining the Volunteer Lawyer Program, US Armed Forces Legal Services Project or the Pro Bono Program for the Elderly.  You may also reach us at 401-421-7758 or 401-521-5040.

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Serving on the Rhode Island Bar Association’s House of Delegates is an impactful way to engage with the Bar’s work and understand how decisions are made on behalf of the membership. The House of Delegates meets quarterly, in person at Bar Headquarters, and serves as an important representative body of the Association. Members are appointed from across Rhode Island, and the Nominating Committee is required to fill a set number of seats based on geographical districts so that the House reflects the Bar’s statewide membership. House of Delegates service is also the first step on the Bar’s leadership pathway. To be elected to the Executive Committee, you must first serve as a member of the House of Delegates. Executive Committee members are then eligible for officer positions, and once elected Secretary, an individual moves through the officer roles and ultimately serves as President of the Association.

The Nominating Committee will meet soon to prepare a slate of officers  and members for the 2026–2027 House of Delegates. The term of office runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. If you wish to be considered for appointment and have not already done so, please submit a letter of interest no later than February 20, 2026.

Please note: Current members of the House of Delegates who wish to be considered for reappointment must also submit a letter of interest by this date.

Letters of interest should include:

• Your length of membership in the Rhode Island Bar Association.
• Participation in Bar committees and any roles held within those committees.
• Community service to the Bar Association and beyond, including positions held outside the Bar Association.

Testimonials and letters of recommendation are neither required nor encouraged. Direct or indirect informal contact by candidates, or by those wishing to address candidates’ qualifications, with members of the Nominating Committee is prohibited.

Letters may be mailed to:
HOD Nominating Committee Chairperson
Rhode Island Bar Association
41 Sharpe Drive Cranston, RI 02920

Or emailed to Kathleen M. Bridge, Executive Director, at kbridge@ribar.com. The Nominating Committee welcomes letters of interest from all qualified candidates.

The Nominating Committee typically meets in March. Officer candidates customarily appear before the Nominating Committee at this meeting to speak about their candidacy and vision for how they would advance the mission of the bar. Candidates for the House of Delegates are also welcome to attend and speak, but their participation is entirely optional.

Applicants will be notified of the Nominating Committee’s selections by the end of March.

Any member who would like to speak at the Nomination Committee meeting must inform Executive Director Kathleen Bridge in advance by email at kbridge@ribar.com or by phone at (401) 421-5740.

RI Supreme Court Amended Orders

Please click here to view the RI Supreme Court Order entitled, “In re Amendments to Article I of the Supreme Court Rules (Appellate Procedure).”

Please click here to view the RI Supreme Court Order entitled, "In re Amendments to Article II of the Supreme Court Rules (Admission of Attorneys and Others to Practice Law)." 

Please click here to view the RI Supreme Court Order entitled, "In re Amendments to  Board of Bar Examiners Rules of Practice Governing  Admission on Examination and Transferred Uniform Bar Examination Score." 

Hard copies of Supreme Court orders may be obtained by contacting the Clerk’s Office at 401-222-3272. The miscellaneous orders issued by the Supreme Court can also be viewed and downloaded from the Rhode Island Judiciary’s website.

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RI Supreme Court Calendar Information

Please click here to view Supreme Court Executive Order 2026-01 related to the Spring Judicial Conference.

Please click here to view Supreme Court Executive Order 2026-02 related to the Fall Judicial Conference.

Hard copies of Supreme Court executive orders may be obtained by contacting the Clerk’s Office at 222-3272. The executive orders issued by the Supreme Court can also be viewed and downloaded from the Rhode Island Judiciary’s website.

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Call for Law Related Education Volunteers!

Law Related Education (LRE) is a key focus of the Bar’s current president and a meaningful way for attorneys to give back to the community. Through programs such as Lawyers in the Classroom, Rhode Island Law Day, the Speakers Bureau, and our newest initiative, Storytime with Lawyers, members help students and community groups gain a greater understanding  of the law and legal profession. Learn how you can get involved by clicking here.

The Rhode Island Bar Association is introducing Storytime with Lawyers, a new law-related education program launched as part of President Patrick A. Guida’s focus on law-related education. The program connects Rhode Island attorneys with elementary classrooms to promote literacy while introducing students to laws, rules, and the legal profession in an age-appropriate way. 

Storytime with Lawyers will kick off during National Reading Week, March 2–6, 2026, with classroom visits taking place throughout that week and continuing beyond as part of RIBA’s Law-Related Education initiatives. 

For Teachers: Request a Classroom Visit 

Teachers may request a Storytime with Lawyers visit for Reading Week (March 2–6, 2026). 

Attorney volunteers will: 

• Read aloud to students in grades K–3 
• Lead a short, age-appropriate conversation about laws, rules, and fairness 
• Visit during the school day at a time coordinated with the teacher 

Request a Classroom Visit – Teacher Form 

For Attorneys: Volunteer for Storytime with Lawyers 

Rhode Island attorneys are invited to volunteer for Storytime with Lawyers by reading to a classroom in grades K-3 during Reading Week or later in the school year.  

Attorney volunteers will: 

• Read a law-related children’s book
• Introduce basic civic concepts in a simple, engaging way 
• Receive suggested book selections and guidance from RIBA 

Volunteer for Storytime with Lawyers – Attorney Sign-Up Form

To learn more about LRE initiatives, please click here.

Questions? 

Allison Baker  
LRE Programs Coordinator 
📞 401-421-5740
📧 abaker@ribar.com 

January CLE Special!

To help members start the year on solid footing, we’re offering a 10% discount on all CLE programs listed below. 

Use code JAN10 at checkout through Monday, January 5.

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Municipal Preemption: Issues & Hazards
Friday, January 9 | 12:30–1:30 PM | 1.0 general credit | Live via Zoom

Many municipalities in Rhode Island are controlled by a home-rule charter, authorized by our state constitution. Although this empowers municipalities to self-govern in many areas, there are still limitations on that authority. The Rhode Island constitution, state statutes, and related case law, all provide guidance as to the areas where municipalities may properly exercise legislative authority.  

Faculty: Etie-Lee Z. Schaub, Esq., Senior Assistant City Solicitor, City of Providence, Office of the City Solicitor

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Landlord/Tenant Law in Rhode Island
Friday, January 16 | 12:00–1:30 PM | 1.5 general credits | In-person only at the RI Law Center, 41 Sharpe Dr., Cranston 
Lunch included!

This CLE offers a practical review of Rhode Island’s landlord/tenant law, with updates reflecting changes to the rental registry, lead disclosure rules, and more. Panelists will walk through key legal principles, common issues in housing practice, and updates to the Landlord/Tenant Handbook. Topics include eviction, tenant and landlord obligations, security deposits, fair housing, and recent developments. 

Faculty:  Michael D. Crane, Esq., The Law Offices of Michael D. Crane, LLC, Steven S. Flores, Esq., Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc., Brian M. Kiser, Esq., Marinosci Law Group, P.C., Murray Gereboff, Esq., Gereboff & Gelade, and Valerie Leon, Esq., Attorney at Law

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Law Practice Management Programs

Weird Legal Ethics
January 12 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | 1.0 ethics | Live via Zoom Only

Getting Control of Your Calendar
January 23 | 12:30 – 1:00 PM | 0.5 general credit | Live via Zoom Only 
Micro-Learning CLE!

These programs are brought to you by the Bar Association’s  Law Practice Management Consultant, Jared Correia, of Red Cave Law Firm Consulting.

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The RIBA assumes no responsibility for opinions, statements, and facts in any CLE or Annual Meeting program. Neither the opinions expressed in any program, nor its content represent the official view of the Rhode Island Bar Association or the views of its members.

For questions about CLE requirements, please contact the Rhode Island MCLE, the accrediting authority for CLE in Rhode Island

In 2025, we proudly celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Rhode Island’s Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, first established in 1985. To commemorate this significant milestone, we have created this brochure to honor the history of Rhode Island's IOLTA program and recognize the remarkable individuals who have contributed to its success since its inception. For four decades, IOLTA has been a cornerstone of justice in our state, providing critical resources to support legal service organizations and programs that advance access to justice for those most in need.

The success of IOLTA is the direct result of the substantial and ongoing participation of Rhode Island’s lawyers and law firms. Attorneys who hold client funds must establish IOLTA accounts for the deposit of funds that cannot otherwise earn net interest for the client. The interest from these pooled accounts is then directed to the Rhode Island Bar Foundation (RIBF), which annually awards grants to sustain vital programs that benefit the public.

What began in the early 1980s as a new concept in banking law has become a national model, with IOLTA programs now operating in every state. Collectively, they serve as an essential funding source for civil legal services, pro bono programs, victim services, foreclosure prevention, law-related education, and countless other worthy initiatives.

In Rhode Island, our IOLTA program exemplifies how the legal profession, working together with our banking community, can leverage small, otherwise idle resources for extraordinary public good. Since its inception, IOLTA has empowered the Bar Foundation to carry out its mission of advancing justice and promoting equal access to the legal system.

As we mark this milestone, we extend our gratitude to every attorney and firm whose participation makes this work possible. Together, we celebrate 40 years of IOLTA and look forward to continuing its powerful legacy of advancing justice for the next generation.

By Eric M. Shorr, President, Secure Future Tech Solutions 

Let’s face it: the legal world is changing fast. 

Artificial Intelligence used to feel like a buzzword. Today? It’s showing up in law offices across Rhode Island from solo practices to large firms. Whether it’s drafting memos, reviewing documents, or speeding up research, AI is helping attorneys save time and work smarter. 

But here’s what most folks aren’t talking about: every tool you adopt adds a new door into your digital house. And not all of them are locked. 

That’s where cybersecurity comes in. 

Smaller Firms, Bigger Targets 

You might think, “My firm’s not big enough to be a target.” 

Unfortunately, that mindset is exactly why small and mid-sized firms are in the crosshairs. Cybercriminals see law firms as treasure troves of confidential data—medical records, financial details, corporate IP, and they know smaller firms often don’t have strong cybersecurity defenses in place. 

And now, with AI in the mix, bad actors are getting smarter. They're using AI to send personalized phishing emails, mimic trusted senders, and launch attacks that are harder to spot. So, while you're using AI to speed up your workflow, Hackers are using it to sneak in the back door at lighting speed. 

The Ethics of Digital Defense 

Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue; it’s an ethical one. Under Rule 1.6(c) of the ABA Model Rules (which Rhode Island follows), lawyers must take “reasonable efforts” to protect client information. But what counts as “reasonable” in 2025? 

Here’s a quick check-in: 

• Are your email and remote logins protected with multi-factor authentication? 

• Do you keep encrypted backups of your case files? 

• Would your team know what to do if your systems were hit by ransomware? 

• Are you conducting ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for your entire team? 

If your answer to any of those is “I’m not sure,” it’s time for a check-up. 

One Smart Step: Review Your Firm’s Cyber Readiness 

I’m not talking about hiring a team of consultants or breaking the bank. Just take an hour this month to look at your setup through a legal lens. Ask: 

• Are our files encrypted, both when stored and when shared? 

• Do we train our staff to recognize phishing attempts? 

• Do we have a response plan if a Cyberattack occurs? 

• Do we have multi-factor authentication (MFA) configured for all systems? 

Better yet, fold this into your annual risk review—just like you would with insurance policies or engagement letters. 

Final Thought 

Tech is transforming how we practice law. AI isn’t going away; it’s going to become a bigger part of how we serve clients. But with that power comes new responsibilities. 

Trust is the backbone of the attorney-client relationship. And in today’s world, that includes how well you protect your clients’ digital information. 

Take a step now. Lock the doors. Review your defenses. Because when it comes to cybersecurity, the cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of doing something small and smart. 

Rest easy, counselor. You've got this. 

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This article first appeared on the Secure Future Tech Solutions website on November 11, 2025. Secure Future Tech Solutions provides small-to-medium sized businesses IT support and cybersecurity services and maintenance of computer networks, servers, workstations and applications. We are grateful for their on-going support of RIBA events. Learn more about them by clicking here.

On October 8th, the Rhode Island Bar Association hosted its annual New Member Reception at the Rhode Island Law Center. Designed for attorneys practicing ten years or less, the event combined education, networking, and celebration in a well-attended evening filled to capacity.

President Patrick A. Guida started the evening by welcoming the new members and introducing the CLE panelists. He encouraged attendees to take advantage of the many opportunities the Association offers, with special emphasis on Law Related Education programs, which are a central focus of his presidency this year. He also highlighted the value of engaging in committees, public service programs, continuing legal education, and the Leadership Academy. The program continued with the CLE, From the Bench: Navigating Practice & Perception, moderated by New Lawyers Committee Co-Chairs Hannah V. Colone, Esq. and Paige E. Macnie, Esq. Panelists included Hon. Melissa A. Long, Hon. Christopher Smith, Hon. Lia Stuhlsatz, and Georgi Vogel-Rosen, Esq., who shared candid advice on professionalism, building confidence, navigating bias, and advocating for oneself in any setting. The program drew strong attendance and offered participants 0.5 DEI credit and 0.5 general credit.

Following the CLE, the reception brought together new members, Bar leaders, committee chairs, local affinity groups, and members of the Judiciary. Attendees enjoyed complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, networking opportunities, and professional headshots. The Association is delighted to welcome its newest colleagues and looks forward to their active participation in the years ahead.

This year marked the first time the reception was supported by sponsors, whose contributions helped make the evening a success. We are grateful to the following sponsors for their support:

Benchmark Sponsor:
Secure Future Tech Solutions

Raising the Bar Sponsor:
Adler Pollock & Sheehan PC
Aon Attorneys Advantage
Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc.

Friend of the Bar Sponsors:
American Arbitration Association
Cameron & Mittleman LLP
CATIC
CBIZ
Jen Cosgrove O'Leary, Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert
Rhode Island Foundation