Rule 3.2 - MCLE requirements(a) Except as provided in Section 3.2(b) of this rule, all attorneys admitted to practice in this state shall complete ten (10) credit hours of continuing legal education in each MCLE reporting year, at least two (2) credit hours of which shall be in the area of legal ethics and one (1) credit hour shall be in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The MCLE reporting year shall be defined to include the period from July 1 to June 30.(b) Section 3.2(a) of this rule shall not apply to the following attorneys who may be subject to certification of the exemption or waiver:(1) An attorney who suffers a disability which makes physical attendance at continuing legal education programs an extreme hardship may request a substitute program in lieu of attendance and shall therein propose the alternative continuing legal education program the attorney can undertake;(2) Other requests by an attorney for alternative continuing legal education programs, waivers, or exemptions for good cause shall be submitted to the MCLE Commission with full explanation of the circumstances supporting the request;(3) Attorneys who are listed as inactive or retired on the Master Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court;(4) Attorneys holding a full-time federal, state, or municipal position who are not engaged in the practice of law shall be exempt during their term(s) of employment;(5) Federal and state court judges and magistrates whose judicial duties are full-time and who are not engaged in the practice of law;(6) All newly admitted attorneys subject to Section 3.3 "Rhode Island Bridge the Gap"(7) Attorneys who are current members of the Rhode Island Board of Bar Examiners and the Committee on Character and Fitness, due to their unique contribution to the profession; and(8) Attorneys who are current members of the Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline, the MCLE Commission, the Disciplinary Board, and the Ethics Advisory Panel are exempt from reporting two (2) legal ethics credit hours due to their unique contribution to the profession:(9) Attorneys who are seventy (70) years old or over, due to their stature in the profession. Although they are not required to participate in continuing legal education programs, attorneys in this category are encouraged to do so;(10) Attorneys who are active full-time, military personnel are exempt from the requirement;(11) The Chief Disciplinary Counsel, Deputy Disciplinary Counsel, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel, and the Ethics Advisory Panel staff attorney are exempt from reporting two (2) legal ethics credits due to their unique contribution to the profession; and(12) Attorneys who are active on the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee (UPLC) are exempt from reporting two (2) legal ethics credit hours due to their unique contribution to the profession. Notwithstanding any language within this subsection, any attorney who is claiming an exemption or waiver must submit any required documentation to the MCLE Commission by June 30 in each MCLE reporting year.
(c) The MCLE Commission is authorized to exempt attorneys from MCLE requirements under Section 3.2(a) for good cause shown.Amended May 31, 2018, effective 7/1/2018; amended April 24, 2024, effective 4/24/2024.