Rhode Island UPL Statute Summary
RI Gen. Laws §11-27-12, Unauthorized holding out as qualified to practice law.
No person, except a duly admitted member of the bar of this state, whose authority as a member to practice law is in full force and effect, shall assume to be an attorney or counselor at law or hold himself or herself out in any manner to the public or to another person as being competent, qualified, authorized, or entitled to practice law in this state.
RI Gen. Laws §11-27-14, Penalties for violations.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon a first conviction, be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, or fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or both. Any firm, corporation, or other entity violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon a first conviction, be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500). Every person having been convicted of a subsequent offense involving the unauthorized practice of law in this state or in any other jurisdiction shall, for each offense, be imprisoned for a term not exceeding five (5) years, or be fined not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both. Every firm, corporation, or other entity having been convicted of a subsequent offense involving the unauthorized practice of law in this state or in any other jurisdiction shall, for each offense, be fined not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Enforcement Mechanisms/Complaint Processes for UPL
File a complaint with the AG’s Consumer Protection Unit under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. A complaint form in English and Spanish may be accessed here.
One may also contact the Rhode Island State Bar’s UPL committee. The Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee has fourteen members who are appointed by the Supreme Court. The Committee is charged with investigating all reports of activities that may constitute the unauthorized practice of law. The Committee has the authority to hold hearings to determine whether or not the charges are substantiated. The Committee also has the authority to adopt, amend, and rescind any rules and regulations that it deems necessary to carry out its duties.
Reporting Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
To report ineffective assistance of counsel in Rhode Island, fill out the complaint form from the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island.
Contact Information for Relevant Agencies
Notary Public Information:
Office of the Secretary of StateDivision of Business Services
148 W River Street
Providence, RI 02904-2615
Tel: (401) 222-3040
Email: notaries@sos.ri.gov
Rhode Island State Bar:
Unauthorized Practice of Law CommitteeSupreme Court Clerk’s Office
250 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: (401) 222-3272
Attorney General:
Department of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Unit
150 South Main St.
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: (401) 274-4400
Email: consumers@riag.ri.gov
Becoming a Notary Public
To become a notary in Rhode Island, you must:
- Be 18 years of age
- Speak, read and write the English language
- Have sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties of a Notary Public
- Be a US Citizen or a Permanent Legal Resident of the US
- Be a Rhode Island resident or a non-resident who conducts business on a regular basis in Rhode Island
- Complete and print the Notary Application Form. You must appear before a Rhode Island Notary Public to take the Oath of Office and complete the certificate. Notaries are available at our office to perform this service.
The Secretary of State has an online tool to find current notary commissions, which can be accessed here. You may use this webpage for more information about the Notary Public Process.
