Leadership Academy

Now Accepting Applications for the 2026–2027 Class!
Deadline: Friday, July 31st at 5:00 PM

Are you ready to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact in the legal profession? The Rhode Island Bar Association’s Leadership Academy offers a unique opportunity for emerging attorneys to develop leadership skills, build connections, and engage more deeply with the Rhode Island legal and broader community.

Apply Now Program Overview

Up to 15 attorney members of the RIBA will be carefully selected for this Academy. In an effort to ensure a broad participant group, qualified individuals will be sought from a variety of professional settings including large and small law firms, the private and public sectors as well as from a variety of practice areas and geographic regions across the state.

Questions?
Erin R. Cute, Director of Communications
📞 401-421-5740
📧 ecute@ribar.com

About the Program
The RIBA Leadership Academy is a nine-month professional development program designed for a diverse group of early to mid-career attorneys. Each month, participants will attend engaging in-person sessions featuring:

Career planning and coaching
Leadership development and communication skills
Tools for persuasion and negotiation
Networking with legal leaders, judges, and peers
Opportunities to contribute to the legal community

Each session lasts just 2–3 hours, making it a manageable time commitment for busy attorneys. Participants will receive CLE credit for select programs. Sessions run September 2026 through June 2027. A tuition fee of $500 is due upon acceptance. Limited financial aid is available. To provide an overview of the program’s structure and time commitment, last year’s schedule is included below. The updated schedule will be available in July.

Sample Program Schedule

Program Requirements & Expectations
Applicants selected for the Leadership Academy are expected to:

Be a member of the RIBA in good standing
Submit all required materials by the deadline
Commit to attending and actively participating in monthly in-person sessions
Complete a special project in partnership with a mentor (options include writing for the Bar Journal, presenting a CLE, or handling a pro bono case)
Participate in one Law Day or Constitution Day activity within two years
Serve on an approved RIBA committee for two years after graduation

The Leadership Academy is a year-long commitment designed to foster engagement within the Bar and the broader community.

Who Should Apply
We’re looking for attorneys who are:

Members of the RIBA in good standing
Committed to active participation in all sessions
Eager to grow personally and professionally
Interested in giving back through mentorship, writing, public service, and Bar leadership

In addition to structured sessions, participants will complete a Special Project in partnership with an experienced mentor. These one-on-one mentoring relationships are a cornerstone of the Academy experience, offering valuable support, career guidance, and professional development throughout the program.

What Past Participants Say

Participating in the Leadership Academy has been a transformative experience...
Through engaging workshops, mentorship sessions, and collaborative projects, I have gained a deeper understanding of effective leadership practices, enhancing my ability to inspire and guide my team towards achieving our goals. Moreover, the leadership skills I have developed have enabled me to advocate more effectively for positive changes within the legal community. Whether it’s through championing networking with legal professionals or promoting ethical practices, I feel more empowered to drive impactful change.
Daphne Hamilton, Esq.
2023–2024 Graduate

...Our group of participants in the leadership academy developed strong relationships...
Participating in the Leadership Academy has been an invaluable experience, providing me with the skills and confidence to grow as a lawyer, leader, and member of my community. The program's comprehensive curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and networking events have given me resources and information to help me develop as a leader. Also, our group of participants in the leadership academy developed strong relationships over the course of the program that will serve as we progress in our careers and lives.
Zachary K. Lyons, Esq.
2023–2024 Graduate

The academy has given me the tools to expand my voice and influence...
Participating in the leadership academy has opened my eyes to the many opportunities within the Rhode Island Bar Association. The academy has given me the tools to expand my voice and influence beyond my law firm and practice. From participating in the various bar committees to presenting at this year’s annual meeting, the academy has truly given me a leg up and has propelled me towards future success in my career.
Hannah V. Colone, Esq.
2023–2024 Graduate