No — Rhode Island’s CLE rules do not authorize a standalone “extension” for reporting; they allow waiver or alternative compliance requests for “good cause” or extreme hardship under MCLE Rule 3.2.
Rules & Relief Options in Rhode Island
- Rule 3.2(a) requires all active attorneys to complete 10 MCLE credit hours per reporting year (July 1 to June 30), including ethics and DEI credits.
- For attorneys with a disability that makes physical attendance an extreme hardship, the rules permit substitution of a different program or alternative plan, via application to the MCLE Commission by June 30.
- Other “good cause” requests for alternative programs, waivers, or exemptions must also be submitted by June 30 on the summary reporting form (Appendix G via the MCLE Portal) with a full explanation.
- The MCLE Commission reviews and grants or denies such relief based on the factual basis — there is no guarantee of approval.
What You Should Do
- Check whether your circumstance qualifies under the “disability / extreme hardship” or “good cause” categories in Rule 3.2.
- Complete the summary reporting form (Appendix G) by June 30 of the reporting year.
- Explain your hardship or excusable reason in the form and propose an alternative plan (substitute program, extended schedule, waiver).
- Submit supporting documentation (medical, travel, etc.).
- Wait for the MCLE Commission’s decision; if granted, comply with the relief schedule or alternative compliance plan provided.
Limitations & Considerations
- Relief is discretionary — approval is not guaranteed.
- Requests must be submitted by June 30 — there is no rule permitting late extension filings.
- Approval does not alter the underlying rule — you remain responsible unless relief is granted.
- Relief is annual — repeated requests for the same hardship may be treated more strictly.
Key Takeaway
Rhode Island does not grant general extensions for CLE reporting — you must submit a relief request by June 30 under Rule 3.2 for waiver or alternative compliance, showing extreme hardship or good cause, and the decision is discretionary.
