Welcome to the Rhode Island Bar Association
Congratulations on your admission to the Rhode Island Bar! We’re excited to welcome you to our legal community.
The Rhode Island Bar Association is a mandatory bar, meaning all attorneys licensed to practice in the state are required to be members. As a new attorney, your first year of membership is free if you are admitted in the fall, or you will receive six months free if admitted in the spring.
Before joining, you must be officially registered with the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Once you are registered, you may complete your Bar Association registration online. There is no need to wait for your welcome packet.
Click Here to Register
As a member, you will have access to a wide range of benefits including career resources, discounted CLE programs, networking opportunities, and support services. Below is a brief look at some of the resources and services available to members.
If you need additional assistance, please contact:
Susan Cavalloro, Office Manager
📞 401-421-5740
📧 scavalloro@ribar.com
New Member Benefits
Starting your legal career can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Your Rhode Island Bar Association membership connects you with the tools, support, and community you need to grow with confidence.
All members have access to vLex Fastcase, a trusted legal research platform used by bar associations across the country. Whether you're preparing for a hearing or brushing up on recent case law, vLex Fastcase helps you search faster and more efficiently. To use the platform, simply sign in to the RIBA website and click the vLex Fastcase link in the top navigation bar.
As a new member, you’ll receive discounted rates on most CLE programs offered through the Bar Association. You’ll also need to complete the Bridge the Gap program within your first year—this required seminar helps new attorneys transition from law school to legal practice in Rhode Island.
CLEs are available in multiple formats to fit your schedule, including in-person seminars, live webcasts, and on-demand video replays (up to 6 credits per year).
View the CLE Calendar
Browse On-Demand CLEs
Explore Non-Credit Practice-Building Programs
Questions about credit requirements? Contact the MCLE Commission at 401-222-4942.
The Bar’s Career Center features legal job opportunities in Rhode Island and beyond. Members can post their resumes at no cost, browse listings, and apply directly to available positions. It’s one of several ways we support your professional growth as you begin your legal career.
Career Center
Public Service Programs
Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)
Support your community while building your practice. The Lawyer Referral Service connects the public with qualified attorneys in Rhode Island—and as a new member, you receive six months free when you join.
You can also take part in special public outreach efforts, including:
- Senior Center Clinics held statewide
- Reduced Fee Program for qualifying clients
- Arts Panel supporting the legal needs of creative professionals
Contact: Susan Fontaine, Public Services Director
📞 401-421-7799
📧 sfontaine@ribar.com
Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP)
Gain practical experience while helping someone in need. Through the Volunteer Lawyer Program, you’ll be matched with a pro bono case and provided with an experienced attorney mentor. The program also includes free malpractice insurance coverage for accepted cases.
Contact: John Ellis, VLP Coordinator
📞 401-421-7758
📧 jellis@ribar.com
To learn more about all of our public service programs:
Click Here
Mentorship & Guidance
Looking for one-on-one support as you begin your practice? Our traditional mentor program connects new attorneys with experienced Rhode Island lawyers for guidance, encouragement, and real-world advice. It’s a great way to ask questions, build confidence, and grow your network.
Mentor Request Form
Learn More About RIBA Mentor Programs
Online Attorney Resources (OAR)
Prefer a quick question or practice-specific guidance? The OAR network allows you to connect with volunteer attorneys by practice area for timely, informal support.
Bar-Wide List Serve
Stay connected with hundreds of your peers through the Bar-wide list serve. It’s a fast, informal way to ask questions and tap into the collective knowledge of Rhode Island’s legal community.
Connect & Lead
The New Lawyers Committee (NLC) helps early-career attorneys build relationships and take on leadership roles. Participate in programs focused on professional development, access to justice, and more.
Bar Committees
Join any of our 25+ committees to meet peers, expand your network, and get involved in Bar projects.
Learn More & Sign Up
Leadership Academy
The Rhode Island Bar Association's Leadership Academy is a selective, year-long program designed to cultivate emerging leaders in the legal community. Participants take part in monthly workshops, receive mentorship, and complete a capstone project that contributes to the profession.
Explore the Leadership Academy