RHODE ISLAND BAR ASSOCIATION
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
The CLE Committee of the Rhode Island Bar Association is dedicated to providing a comprehensive curriculum that combines substantive areas of law with practical training and skills for the benefit of our valued members.
We warmly welcome participation from other Bar Committees and all members of the Bar, encouraging them to contribute their ideas and propose programs for presentation. When choosing your topic, please bear in mind that our audience seeks practical information that can be directly applied in their day-to-day legal practice. Exploring theoretical concepts is more suitable for committee meetings and specialized discussions.
To assist anyone interested in submitting a proposal for a Rhode Island Bar Association-sponsored program, the committee has prepared the following guidelines:
1. The Continuing Legal Education Committee is the appropriate Rhode Island Bar Association committee to administer CLE programs and should be responsive to the needs and interests of Rhode Island Bar Association members who desire further legal education.
2. All members of the RIBA and all committees, through their chairs, are encouraged to submit proposals for new continuing legal education programs to the committee.
3. Proposals for programs should be submitted in writing to the RIBA Director of CLE, using the above program proposal form as a template.
4. When planning all seminars, the CLE Committee will draw upon the expertise and shared knowledge of the members of the other committees of the RIBA, but will retain control over the content and faculty of any seminar.
5. Whenever feasible and appropriate, the CLE Committee will endeavor to present programs on relatively short notice on topics of extremely high interest and relevance to the members of the Rhode Island Bar Association.
6. The Rhode Island Bar Association recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives within the justice system and the legal profession. Therefore, every effort should be made to include speakers from diverse backgrounds on program panels. The concept of diversity encompasses various factors, such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, economic class, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, mental and physical abilities, veteran status, and learning styles. Program proposers are encouraged to consider incorporating issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion into their programs.
The following questions can assist you in organizing your ideas and developing a comprehensive program proposal and course outline:
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What is the primary objective of the proposed program? Who is the target audience and are there any specific prerequisites or qualifications required for attendees?
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Are there any new statutes or recent landmark cases relevant to the legal field that will be addressed in the program? How will these changes impact an attorney's practice? In what situations will attorneys need to adapt their approach or take different actions than before?
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What specific skills will participants acquire through this program? Will it focus on improving legal research, negotiation techniques, courtroom advocacy, legal writing, or other essential skills?
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Will the program discuss or demonstrate problem-solving techniques relevant to the legal profession? How will it equip attorneys with strategies to effectively navigate legal challenges and find solutions?
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How will this program help attorneys avoid common pitfalls or ethical dilemmas that may arise in their practice? Will it address ethical questions related to the specific subject matter or provide guidance on maintaining professional standards?
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What specialized knowledge will participants gain from this program? Will it cover niche areas of law, emerging legal trends, or specific practice areas that are in high demand?
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Will the program enable attorneys to handle new income-producing work? Are there specific client needs, legal services, or practice areas that this program will equip attorneys to take on, potentially increasing their revenue?
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In addition to the above, what other compelling reasons and benefits can be highlighted for attorneys to invest their time and resources in this program? How will it enhance their professional development, expand their network, or contribute to their overall success as legal practitioners?
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What are the expected learning outcomes for participants?
Please use the link above to download the CLE Proposal Form and submit forms to CLE Director, Madeline Benner at mbenner@ribar.com.
Please note: To have a non-Bar sponsored program accredited please contact the RI Supreme Court MCLE Commission at 222-4942, or click here to be directed to their website.