FAQs

The ABA House of Delegates (House) is the body charged with the control and administration of the ABA and it is the policy-making body of the association. It is comprised of approximately 600 members, two-thirds of whom represent state, local and special-focus bars. The House meets twice each year, at ABA Annual and Midyear Meetings. The D.C. Bar’s delegates are elected by its members to serve as liaisons between the Bar and the ABA.

• Delegates must be active members of the D.C. Bar and a member of the ABA.
   
• One delegate must be either: under the age of 36 at the beginning of his or her term or have been admitted to practice in his or her first bar within the past 5 years (elected every other year).

Delegates to the ABA House of Delegates are expected to:

• attend each meeting of the House, participate fully in its proceedings, and discharge the responsibilities of the House as described on the ABA website;
• review all of the House of Delegates meeting materials, including resolutions, before the meetings;
• participate in a House Caucus or serve on a House Committee, if desired; and
• draft, debate, and vote on resolutions.

Delegates are elected to 2-year terms, with no limit on the number of terms served. The term begins after the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting which takes place in August.

ABA delegates are expected to attend 2 meetings per year: the ABA Annual Meeting (usually held in August), and the ABA Midyear Meeting (usually held in February/March.)

Reimbursement for travel-related expenses varies, depending on the meeting:

• Midyear Meetings: Roundtrip air/ground transportation is reimbursable, provided the delegate is present at the end of the meeting.
   
• Annual Meetings: Travel reimbursement is not available.
   
• House Committee Meetings (held during Midyear and Annual Meetings): Per diem reimbursement only.

For more information, please click here.

The District of Columbia Bar (D.C. Bar) is an official arm of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and is responsible for licensing and disciplining attorneys who have been admitted to practice by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Attorneys must be licensed by the D.C. Bar to practice law in the District of Columbia.  Lawyers admitted to practice in D.C. must register and pay dues to the D.C. Bar.

To learn more about the D.C. Bar’s mission, please go to njxg.bianlifan.com/about-the-bar/who-we-are/mission.cfm.

Appointments to D.C. Bar Standing Committees are made in the fall or spring.

To apply to be a member of other committees, please watch for vacancy and application announcements on the D.C. Bar website and social media platforms.

The Executive Office of the D.C. Bar:

• Supervises and leads the staff of the D.C. Bar;
• Provides support and general oversight of committees, task forces, annual awards, Mandatory Course compliance, and annual D.C. Bar elections;
• Facilitates the development and execution of the D.C. Bar’s 5-Year Strategic Plan;
• Liaises with local and federal D.C. Courts;
• Supports initiatives and relations between D.C. Bar, volunteers, and voluntary bar associations;
• Serves as the Bar’s ambassador to domestic and international delegations; and
• Supports the D.C. Bar general and outside counsel.

The D.C. Bar encourages the formation and activities of volunteer bar associations.  In addition to hosting monthly meetings of the leadership of the voluntary bar associations, the D.C. Bar cosponsors programs with the voluntary bars.  For more information about voluntary bars, click here.

Yes. Please contact the D.C. Bar at 202-737-4700 and request to speak with a Facilities staff member.

Please contact the District of Columbia Court of Appeals’ Committee on Admissions by phone at 202-879-2710, or by email at [email protected]. It is located at 430 E Street NW, Room 123, Washington, DC 20001. 

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals’ Committee on Admissions reviews all applications for admission to the District of Columbia Bar. To become a member, whether by exam, motion, or special legal consultant, visit the Committee on Admissions of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for application information. The Law School Certification form must be filled out and signed by your law school’s dean or registrar. Learn more about the different classes of membership at the D.C. Bar.

The Committee on Admissions reviews all applications for admission to the District of Columbia Bar. See D.C. App. Rule 46. For further information, please contact the Committee on Admissions by phone at 202-879-2710 or by email at [email protected] or visit their office at 430 E Street NW, Room 123, Washington, DC 20001.

Please contact the Committee on Admissions by phone at 202-879-2710 or by email at [email protected]. It is located at 430 E Street NW, Room 123, Washington, DC 20001.

You will receive a Bar number no more than 30 days after the submission of your initial registration statement. Your Bar number is listed on the main page of your D.C. Bar online account once logged in. You will also receive an invoice to your primary address on record, as specified on the registration statement that lists your Bar number under “Member Number.” Additionally, you will receive a Bar card with your Bar number. If you provided an email address on your registration statement, you should receive an email from the D.C. Bar with your Bar number and information on your new member account.

As a new member, you received your first annual license fee invoice within a month of your admission, which was payable upon receipt. Annual license fees are based on a fiscal year, July 1 to June 30, not a calendar year. Therefore, it is possible for a member to receive two different invoices in one calendar year for two separate fiscal years depending upon when you were admitted to the D.C. Bar.

Members are invoiced by the D.C. Bar for annual license fees, according to Bylaw, Article III Section 1, which states: Any person who is sworn into the Bar between July 1 and December 31 inclusive shall pay a full year’s license fees; those members who are sworn in between January 1 and April 30 inclusive shall pay one-half the annual license fees. Any member who is sworn in after April 30 shall not be required to pay any license fees until the following fiscal year.

To further discuss this matter, please contact Member Services at 202-626-3475 or email [email protected].

You can request an Engraved Wall Certificate by completing the D.C. Courts of Appeals Application for Engraved Wall Certificate Form. This application must be typewritten and include a $40 cashier’s check, certified check, or money order payable to “Clerk, D.C. Court of Appeals.” This application may be submitted at any time after you receive your Bar number. Please mail form and fee to:

Engraved Certificate Office

D.C. Courts of Appeals/Committee on Admissions
430 E Street NW – Room 123
Washington, DC 20001

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel now offers online ordering of Certificates Concerning Discipline.  The production of printed certificates remains suspended. The electronic delivery of a certificate will be processed upon receipt of the Certificate Request Form and payment. Most certificates are processed within two (2) business days. We do not offer same-day processing.

If you must pay for a certificate by check or money order, please complete the Certificate Request Form and return it, together with your payment of $25 payable to "DC Bar," to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel at the address below.  Please complete the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays.  Please allow additional time to process your mail-in request.

Office of Disciplinary Counsel
515 Fifth Street, N.W.
Building A, Room 117
Washington, DC 20001

For questions about certificates, please email [email protected].

The D.C. Bar now offers online order and fulfillment of Certificates of Good Standing. Click here to order your certificate (login required). Members can receive their certificates immediately via email or request a hard-copy certificate via email to [email protected] after placing an order for the electronic certificate.

We field many calls in D.C. Bar Membership asking about Certificates of Good Standing, and as the Committee on Admissions already uses our database for the information it utilizes for the certificates, centralizing the process makes the most sense for members and staff alike.

Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing costs $25. The process is completely online and takes a few minutes. Members do not need to visit the Bar in person or pay a courier.  Click here to place your order today.
The cost of the Certificate of Good Standing covers the technology costs of the transition to an online-only system and is in line with the prices for Certificates of Good Standing in other jurisdictions (ranging from $1 to $50). 
 

Effective July 1, 2019, the D.C. Bar no longer accepts certificate requests submitted in person. 

Active, Inactive, and Judicial members of the Bar who are in good standing with the Bar are able to receive a certificate stating their status. If a member has retired, resigned, or been suspended, they are unable to receive a Certificate of Good Standing.

You can utilize our Find a Member tool on the D.C. Bar website to view your standing with the Bar. Alternatively, you can log into your D.C. Bar member account and check your status on your account. If you require further assistance, you may call 202-626-3475 to reach D.C. Bar Member Services, and we will be happy to assist you any weekday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. except for the 1–2 p.m. lunch hour.

Mailed requests are no longer accepted. Any mailed requests that are received will be returned to the sender.

You may download additional copies of your purchased certificate for up to 30 days by logging into your online member account. If you require additional copies to be mailed in conjunction with a hardcopy request, please be sure to indicate the number of copies requested (a maximum of 2), with your email request to [email protected].

Due to the number of requests we receive, all additional requests will be treated as new requests. Each request will be processed separately, and the applicable processing time will be applied. All Certificate of Good Standing orders are non-refundable.

Include the requested mailing address in your email to [email protected] once the order has been placed.

You will receive an email confirmation once the hard copy Certificate of Good Standing has been mailed. USPS First Class Mailing times apply.

Certificates of Good Standing are only able to be purchased by using an individual member account.

The Clients’ Security Fund (CSF) reimburses clients up to a limit of $100,000 for losses caused by the dishonest conduct of members of the D.C. Bar. Learn more.

The words “dishonest conduct” basically mean theft and include wrongful acts committed by a lawyer, such as embezzlement or the wrongful taking or conversion of money, property, or other things of value. “Dishonest conduct” does not include the negligent, inadequate, or ineffective performance of services.

First, the client’s loss must have been caused by the dishonest conduct of a member of the D.C. Bar. Second, the D.C. Bar member must have represented the claimant as an attorney or in another fiduciary capacity. Third, the client must have used all other available ways to recover the loss, including reasonable attempts to obtain payment from the lawyer by demand, insurance, or lawsuit.

Call the D.C. Bar at 202-780-2772, to speak to the Bar’s administrator for the Fund. If the general circumstances of your loss meet the Fund’s guidelines, an application for reimbursement will be sent to you.

You will receive a detailed application for reimbursement, which gives you an opportunity to describe the circumstances that resulted in financial loss. Receipts, copies of court orders, and other documents will be necessary to substantiate the facts in your application. One of the Fund’s volunteer Trustees will be assigned to your case. Generally, the final disposition takes about six months—depending upon the complexity of the situation involved. You will receive written notice about the disposition of your case. The Trustees’ decision is final.

Clients are not usually in attendance. However, the Trustees may determine that your presence would be necessary to assist in considering the claim.

No.

The client should submit with the application the following documents:

1. proof of the loss alleged in the claim;
2. evidence of an attorney/client or other fiduciary relationship;
3. records of the efforts made to recover the loss, including possible court action; and
4. information showing that the attorney is deceased, disciplined, or declared mentally incompetent.

There is no absolute right to reimbursement. The circumstances of each individual case will determine if the case meets the rules of the Fund. Certain kinds of losses—such as those resulting from negligence or other malpractice—may not be reimbursed. The Clients’ Security Fund is to be viewed as a Fund of last resort.

If you believe that your attorney provided negligent, ineffective, or inadequate representation, you may contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel at 202-638-1501. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel serves as the Bar’s disciplinary arm. If you believe that your loss resulted from excessive fees, or misunderstanding of what fees should be paid for given services, you should contact the Bar’s Attorney/Client Arbitration Board at 202-780-2779.

You may register for any D.C. Bar CLE course at http://njxg.bianlifan.com, or you may call us at 202-626-3488 to make payment with a credit card.

All D.C. Bar CLE courses, in all formats, are accredited in every jurisdiction with MCLE requirements.  In the rare instance that we do not receive accreditation for a course, we will note it in the course description.

The District of Columbia Bar has no mandatory continuing legal education requirements at this time, which also means that we have no CLE accreditation body and do not accredit courses. We do not certify CLE providers or keep records of our members’ attendance at other providers’ CLE courses for the same reason. While the D.C. Bar requires members to maintain their legal competence, we do not specify the means and do not require that attorneys submit attendance documentation from any courses they attend.

We process MCLE credits based on the date that you complete the course.  All credits are submitted to your jurisdiction within 30 days of your course completion date. However, it may take longer for a state bar to post the credits to your record. 

You may always check on the status of your MCLE credit by sending an email to [email protected] with your full name, course name and date, jurisdiction(s) for which you are seeking credit, and course format (i.e., in-person, webinar, or on-demand).

Once you purchase the course, you will receive an email confirmation letter with detailed instructions.  Please note that our webinars are streamed live via the Zoom platform.

Our on-demand courses are viewable across all platforms and devices, including tablets, smartphones, and iPads. The screen size will vary depending on what device you use.

No. You may rewind, pause, or stop the program to complete it at a later time. We encourage you to finish one section in one sitting. You will not be able to fast forward the presentation beyond the point that you have already completed.

During a live webinar, you may ask questions in the Q&A interface.  If you have any substantive questions about an on-demand course, you may email us at [email protected]. We will share your question with faculty and respond to you as quickly as possible.

Substantive written course materials are part of every D.C. Bar CLE course. All materials are available in a PDF format. You may find these materials in the tab labeled “Course Materials.”  Generally, all materials are available as fully searchable, printable PDF files.

If you are having a problem viewing a live webinar, let us know in the Q&A interface, email us at [email protected], or please call us at 202-626-3488.  We will work with you to resolve the technical issue.

You must watch and listen to the presentation to find the codes we inserted at random points. The codes will appear on the bottom of the video screen. CLE staff will repeat the codes.  Please write down the codes.  Once the course concludes, you must take a quiz to identify the codes.

If you are taking a webinar, you will receive instructions via email on how to submit for a credit at the conclusion of the course.

If you are taking an on-demand course, you will receive an email notification once you have submitted your quiz and evaluation.  The CLE staff will also receive a copy of this notification and will move forward in processing your CLE credit.  If you do NOT receive this email notification, you MUST email [email protected] with the codes and the name of the course you took so that we may move forward in processing your CLE credit.

Yes. When you have completed the course, taken the quiz, and submitted the evaluation, you will have access to your electronic Certificate of Attendance. Most states require you to keep the Certificate of Attendance for your records.  Accordingly, we recommend you print the certificate, or retain it electronically.

The evaluations are short, and we find them incredibly valuable in helping us improve our service to you.  Additionally, many accrediting bodies require providers to evaluate courses.

Electronic materials (in PDF files) are available for purchase for most courses.  You may purchase these materials for $40 if you are a D.C. Bar member, and $50 if you are a non-member.  You may purchase course materials by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us at 202-626-3488.

You may email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.  You may also call us at 202-626-3488 and we would be happy to speak with you. The D.C. Bar is located at 901 4th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

The D.C. Bar will transition to hybrid operations on April 29, 2022 while prioritizing member service, health, and safety by welcoming fully vaccinated visitors only to the D.C. Bar Headquarters building for a limited number of in-person events. Review the Bar’s COVID Guidelines & Visitor Policy.

We continue to encourage you to utilize the forms provided on our website as well as the services available within your online member account to manage your membership record and/or remit payment to avoid processing delays. You may also contact Member Services by phone during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm EST (closed from 1pm - 2pm daily) or email [email protected] for assistance.

The Board of Governors (BOG) provides strategic oversight and general charge of the affairs and activities of the Bar. The Board is composed of the following members:

• President
• President-Elect
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Treasurer-Elect
• Immediate Past President
• Fourteen (14) Lawyer Members
• Three (3) Non-Lawyer Members (non-voting)

All officers and voting members also serve as the Board of Directors (BOD) of the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and are elected by active Bar members. Non-lawyer members are recommended by the Nominations Committee and approved by the Board of Governors.

While there is no fixed or minimum number of hours required for Board service, the monthly time commitment for a Member could range from 5-15 hours depending on the number of meetings, preparation time and necessary follow up. Regular Board meetings last approximately 2-3 hours each.  Board committee meetings are held 2-6 times per year, depending upon the committee.

The time commitment required for Officers is generally greater, as they typically sit on multiple committees and have additional responsibilities with regard to additional meetings, reviewing meeting materials, and coordinating with Bar staff.

No. The Bar welcomes all active members who are interested in serving the membership and the D.C. legal community and have a vision for the Bar’s future. Though prior leadership or relevant volunteer experience is highly desirable, past board experience is not required.

Yes! All active D.C. Bar members are eligible to serve, even if they do not reside or practice in the District. Members will be able to attend Board meetings in person (conditions permitting) or virtually.

Serving on the Board of Governors will position you among a select group of volunteer leaders whose expertise, diverse perspectives and spheres of influence help advance our position as the nation’s preeminent bar.

You will have the opportunity to lend your talent and voice to help the Bar:

• maintain the highest ethical standards, absolute integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service;
   
• pursue organizational excellence with fervor, driving continuous improvement, and set the highest standards of conduct in the legal system – in our backyard and around the world;
   
• drive systemic change in the legal system and increasing access to justice;
   
• empower lawyers to achieve individual excellence; and
   
• foster collegiality among the brightest and most capable lawyers on the planet.

Service is at the heart of everything we do.
We serve our members so they, in turn, can serve the community.

Help us continue to deliver on this commitment.

Finance or similar experience might prove helpful but it is not a requirement. The D.C. Bar’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Finance Department provides ample support to the Treasurer in preparing reports on the operational status of the D.C. Bar and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. The Treasurer delivers a report at BOG/BOD meetings on at least a quarterly basis, with substantive assistance from the CFO.

To be clear, the D.C. Bar employs the CFO and the Finance Department to oversee the maintenance of the books and records of the organization. This includes asset management, investments, internal controls related to receipts/disbursements of the organization, all government filings (as appropriate), as well as organizational budgeting, fiscal planning and enterprise risk management.

The Communities are the voluntary arm of the D.C. Bar. There are 22 Communities designed to provide member benefits and opportunities to grow your network while maintaining focus on practice-specific career development. They are led by the Communities Committee, which oversees the operation of the D.C. Bar Communities Program by facilitating Communities-wide programming and content, volunteer opportunities, and member engagement initiatives. Each Community (except the Law Student Community) is led by a five-member steering committee made up of elected members. These leaders work to develop and implement content programs, networking opportunities, and other events for their members.

To learn more about D.C. Bar Communities, please visit http://njxg.bianlifan.com/communities or contact [email protected].

You may join online today or by phone at 202-626-3463.

The Communities experience provides valuable benefits and opportunities to grow your network while maintaining focus on practice-specific career development.

There are two membership options:  

• Standard: total of $89 (less than $8 per month for one Community membership), is perfect for someone who prefers to plan ahead for their remote attendance as well as receive additional member-based discounts.
• Premium: total of $130 (less than $11 per month for one Community membership), is perfect for someone who wants the ultimate flexibility to connect/engage by signing up for programming at any time prior to the event and enjoys significant member-based discounts.

Compare the two membership benefits and learn more by clicking here.

Yes, you do not have to be a D.C. Bar member to join Communities. There is a slightly higher fee for those who are not Bar members who wish to join D.C. Bar Communities. The membership dues for D.C. Bar members is $89; the subscriber fee for other individuals is $139. If you have not already done so, you will need to create an account. Once you have established an account, you can join the Communities through your profile. You can also contact [email protected] for more information and pricing.

The Communities Program is a voluntary membership of the Bar and not funded or supported by mandatory Bar dues. Your payment of Communities membership dues will give you the opportunity to join and/or renew Communities in practice areas that you identify. There are 22 Communities designed to provide member benefits and opportunities to grow your network while maintaining focus on practice-specific career development. Participation in the Communities program does not confer membership in the D.C. Bar.  If you join a Community without first being a member of the Bar, you join as a subscriber rather than as a member. Subscribers are entitled to the same notice of upcoming events and discounts that are afforded to members.  However, subscribers are not permitted to serve on Community steering committees, vote in Communities elections, or chair Community program subcommittees. Subscribers ARE NOT licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia.

You may register for any D.C. Bar Community program at our Events page, or you may call us at 202-626-3463 to make payment with a credit card. If you have questions about registration, you can email [email protected].

Click here to read our Multimedia Disclaimer.

To register for series programming for free as a Communities member, you would need to register during the Community member registration early bird period prior to the program, based on space availability. To get free access to series programming, a member can sign up for each event separately through the individual early bird registration process when it becomes available online. To register for all series sessions in a bundle, a fee will apply. 

To cancel your D.C. Bar Communities membership, within 60 days of purchase, please contact the Communities office at [email protected] or 202-626-3463.

You can find Communities Committee and steering committee leadership listed here.

Steering committee members are elected to three-year terms by the general membership of the Communities. To learn more about running for a position, vist our Communities Elections page. 

• For questions regarding Community membership, leadership, or benefits, email [email protected]


• For questions regarding Community events, email [email protected]


• For questions regarding your registration for a Community program, email [email protected]


• For all general inquiries, call the Community Office main line at 202-626-3463

Active D.C. Bar members who wish to run for office other than president-elect may secure a spot on the ballot by filing a petition bearing the signatures of at least 417 active members of the D.C. Bar, that figure representing at least one-half of one percent of the Bar’s active membership as of the first business day of 2023. Petitions are due no later than 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

Voting in the 2023 D.C. Bar general and Communities elections will take place from April 28 to June 5, 2023.

Active members in good standing on the member roll as of April 10, 2023 are eligible to vote in the Bar’s general election.

Any D.C. Bar member who is in good standing (active, inactive, or judicial status) and a member of a Community may vote in that Community’s election.

Eligible voters receive an email link to the general election ballot, as well as to the ballots for their D.C. Bar Communities, from an independent vendor administering the D.C. Bar elections. Eligible voters can also access their ballot via their D.C. Bar member account during the voting period.

Voting takes place online only. Communities elections are included on the same ballot as the general election.

No. Voting takes place exclusively online. No paper ballots will be made available.

Please refer to the Membership Classes & Fees for the most up to date information on the current year license fees.

In compliance with Article III, Section 8, D.C. Bar License renewals are due and payable on July 1.  Members must remit their completed registration and payment by July 15 to avoid a late fee. If your license renewal is not postmarked and/or received by September 30, your membership will automatically be administratively suspended for nonpayment. See Membership Classes & Fees for current license fee amounts.

Effective May 1, 2020, the D.C. Bar will no longer mail paper invoices for the collection of license fees.  All notifications will be sent to the member’s primary email address on record. If you do not see notifications on/after May 1, please be sure to check your spam/junk folders.  Contact Member Services if messages are not being received.

The D.C. Bar’s fiscal year is July 1 to June 30 each year.

License renewal fees for the fiscal year are due and payable on July 1. Members must remit their payments by July 15 to avoid a late fee.

The fastest and most efficient way to submit payment is through your online member account. We accept all major credit/debit cards and ACH (electronic checks). Cash is not accepted for payment. Members may also make payment by phone by contacting Member Services at 202-626-3475.

When submitting payment, members may also update their member profiles, join a Community, and contribute to the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center.

There is a 2.5% surcharge for all credit card payments. You may avoid this fee by utilizing the ACH (electronic check) option, which is FREE.

Printable invoices are available through your online member account for members who wish to mail check payments. Do not mail payments to D.C. Bar Headquarters.

Checks should be made payable to the “D.C. Bar” and mailed to:

D.C. Bar
PO Box 79834
Baltimore, MD 21279-0834

A returned item fee in the amount of $25 will be assessed for rejected check and ACH payments.

Checks should be made payable to the “D.C. Bar”.

Do not mail payments to D.C. Bar Headquarters. Check payments should be mailed to:

D.C. Bar
PO Box 79834
Baltimore, MD 21279-0834

A returned item fee in the amount of $25 will be assessed for rejected check payments.

License renewal fees are late if postmarked and/or received after July 15. Members who pay after that date must include a $50 late fee. Payments must be postmarked by September 30 to avoid automatic suspension of membership. Individuals administratively suspended for nonpayment of license fees and/or late fee shall not be entitled to practice law in the District of Columbia during the period of such suspension.

If you wish to be reinstated, your request must be submitted by logging into your online member account and selecting the Reinstate Your Membership option on the personal snapshot page. Reinstatement fees will be automatically calculated based on your current membership status and your selected membership class; payment will be required at the time of submission. You will be required to certify that you are not suspended, temporarily suspended, or disbarred by any disciplinary authority or provide an explanation if you are unable to certify. If you have been suspended, retired, or resigned for five years or more and seek reinstatement to the Bar, you are required to complete the Mandatory Course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice before your request can be submitted. Suspension procedures are described in D.C. Bar Rule II, Section 6 and Section 3.05(b) of the D.C. Bar Bylaws. The names of all suspended members are transmitted to the D.C. Court of Appeals.

If you were disbarred or suspended with a fitness requirement, you must file a petition for reinstatement and a reinstatement questionnaire with the Board of Professional Responsibility/Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Click here to access the forms.

There are currently no reduced rates available for these groups.

Currently, the Bar does not have a waiver program in place for financial hardships. If you are unable to pay your active status license fees and are not actively practicing law within the District of Columbia, you may consider changing your membership status to Inactive.  Otherwise, retired-inactive status and resignation are available to those that qualify. Click for an explanation of the membership classes available. To further discuss your options, please contact Member Services at 202-626-3475.

Active membership is required for members who practice or hold themselves out as licensed to practice in the District of Columbia. Only active members are eligible to vote in Bar elections.

Inactive membership is available for members who are eligible for membership but do not hold themselves out as licensed to practice in the District of Columbia. It maintains your record on file with the Bar should you decide in the future to practice law in the District of Columbia.

Judicial membership is available to judges of courts of record; full-time court commissioners; U.S. bankruptcy judges; U.S. magistrate judges; other persons who perform a judicial function on an exclusive basis, in an official capacity created by federal or state statute, or by administrative agency rule; and retired judges who are eligible for temporary judicial assignments and are not engaged in the practice of law. If a member’s terms and conditions of employment require that he or she be eligible to practice law, the member may choose to be an active member.

Click here to view classes of membership.

Although the Bar staff cannot advise you on what status to elect, we recommend you consult the appropriate D.C. Court of Appeals rules, particularly Rule 49 and commentary on the practice of law in the District of Columbia.

You may change your class of membership at any time.

If you have already paid license fees for the current fiscal year, log into your online member account to submit a Member Type Change request and remit payment of any additional amounts due. Changes submitted online are effective immediately upon submission. (Note: Any change to the Judicial class of membership will require verification of Judicial standing before changes become effective.)

If you have not paid your annual license fee for the current fiscal year, you may select your desired class of membership during the annual renewal online process or by contacting Member Services by phone at 202-626-3475.

Members wishing to return to the Active class of membership after being in any other class for five years or more are also required to complete the Mandatory Course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice before a change request can be submitted.  Members who decide to change their class of membership from Active to Inactive or Judicial after having paid their annual license fees are not entitled to a refund of any amounts previously paid.

Yes, the Bar offers members experiencing disability the option to enroll as a Retired class member. To qualify for this class of membership, you must submit proof of disability from a physician, along with the completed Retired Membership Request form to Member Services.

Additionally, if you have held Retired membership class for five years or more and wish to be reinstated as an Active member, you will be required to complete the Mandatory Course. See Section 3.01(B) of the D.C. Bar Bylaws.

The D.C. Bar offers a Retired membership class for two categories of members: members who have been active for at least five years or inactive/judicial for 10 years, engaged in the practice of law in the District of Columbia or elsewhere for a total of 25 years, and retired from the practice of law; and members who are totally disabled and are thus unable to practice. A member may avoid payment of the license fee for the current fiscal year by submitting the retired membership request form on or before September 30 of the fiscal year.

If you have held Retired membership class for five years or more and wish to be reinstated as an Active member, you will be required to complete the Mandatory Course. See D.C. Bar Bylaws, Article III Section 4.

You may voluntarily resign or withdraw your membership by submitting the required Request for Resignation form. To submit a request for resignation, you must currently be in good standing with the D.C. Bar (i.e., not suspended). Under the Rules Governing the Bar, a resignation cannot take effect until approved by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. This review process requires a minimum of 30 days. During this review period you are still considered a member of the Bar and must remain in good standing. If you intend to resign during the renewal period, your application for resignation must be received no later than August 30th. Members submitting resignation requests after this date are responsible for payment of all fees associated with the license renewal to avoid an administrative suspension. License fees are not refunded upon resignation.

If you are not required to prove fitness or satisfy other terms prior to reinstatement (i.e., restitution or some other condition imposed by the Court), please contact the D.C. Bar Membership department. If you were disbarred or suspended with a fitness requirement, you must file a petition for reinstatement and a reinstatement questionnaire (found in the forms and documents section). See Board Rule 9.1.

No, we currently do not have an e-filing system. All filings should be made in hard copy, including one with an original signature.  Please consult the Board Rules to see additional requirements for each type of filing.

Complaints must be filed, in writing, with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. A complaint form can be found under the How to File a Complaint section.

The Board Rules can be found under the Board on Professional Responsibility section.

The Board is currently recruiting attorneys and members of the public to be considered for appointment to Hearing Committees.  For more information, or to apply to be a Hearing Committee Member, please contact the Office of the Executive Attorney. 

Oral arguments before the Board are streamed. Oral arguments and hearings are open to the public. You can find the hearing and oral argument schedules under the calendar in the Board on Professional Responsibility section. The schedule can change at the last minute, so we suggest calling the Office of the Executive Attorney ahead of time for the most up-to-date information. All matters, unless otherwise noted, are held in Courtroom II (Room 226) in the D.C. Court of Appeals building. For access to the oral argument schedule where live streaming is available, click here.

The D.C. Bar’s staff includes legal ethics counsel who are available to discuss ethical issues related to the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct.  This service is not affiliated with the discipline system.  For more information, click here.

Please see the Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law Opinion 23-18.

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) was created by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to investigate and prosecute complaints of ethical misconduct against lawyers licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia who violate the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).

The Rules describe a lawyer’s obligation to clients, the courts, and the general public in professional and private dealings. The purpose of this process is to protect the public by disciplining lawyers who violate the ethics rules. Our office cannot consider complaints against judges acting in a judicial capacity.

For additional information, see Purpose and Mission.
 

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel cannot represent you, give you any legal advice, or change the outcome of a court decision.

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel cannot refer you to an attorney. You may consult the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center to obtain information about legal representation by calling their Legal Information Help Line at 202-626-3499.

Free Legal Help 

Contact the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center if you are an individual living in poverty who is at risk of losing your home, your livelihood, or your family. The Center also helps small businesses and community-based nonprofits needing legal assistance.

Try to resolve issues with your attorney by communicating your concerns clearly and asking for a response.  Your attorney should clearly explain the fee agreement and scope of representation, keep you aware of developments in your case, and respond to any reasonable requests you may have for information.

If you feel that your problem is the result of poor communication or a misunderstanding between you and the attorney, you should have an open talk with the attorney before you file a complaint.
 

The D.C. Bar’s Find a Member feature provides the same publicly available contact information for attorneys that we would be able to share with you.  If you are still unable to reach your attorney, you may need to file a complaint with our office.

The D.C. Bar’s Find a Member feature enables a search of all attorneys licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia.  If an attorney is not listed as authorized to practice law and is advising you about D.C. law or representing you in Superior Court, please contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

No.

If we determine that your complaint should be docketed for investigation because it alleges facts that, if true, would violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, your complaint will be forwarded to the attorney for a response.

If you believe your attorney has violated the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, you should file a written complaint or complete and submit the complaint form (signed and dated) to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel via mail or fax. The form must be properly completed. Along with the complaint form, please submit relevant documents and information, including:

• Copies of fee or retainer agreements or statements;
• Copies of letters, faxes, emails, and other correspondence that relates to the subject of the complaint;
• Copies of legal documents in your possession;
• Copies of filings or statements received by you from the attorney; and
• Copies of canceled checks or evidence of any payments made by you to the attorney.

If you do not provide facts and documentation that support your complaint, it may result in either a request for additional information or a dismissal of the complaint.

You do not need to identify any rules you believe that the attorney has violated.  In general, the Rules of Professional Conduct ensure that attorneys provide competent representation, protect the interests of their clients, act fairly, and are honest.

DO NOT SEND US ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SAFEKEEPING OR RETURN TO YOU.

*The Office of Disciplinary Counsel does not represent you against the attorney or in any ongoing case involving that attorney.

A complaint should contain all information allowing Disciplinary Counsel to understand the problem.  This should include your contact information, the attorney’s contact information, case numbers of underlying court cases, and a description of the problem you are having with the attorney.  Include dates, the nature of the legal matter, and specific information about what you think the attorney did wrong.  Provide as much facts and supporting documents as possible, including the fee agreement, court papers, and letters or notes that you would like us to consider. Send copies. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

Your complaint will be reviewed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to ensure that it falls within the jurisdiction of the office and evaluated to determine if there are issues that form the basis of a disciplinary investigation. If the complaint falls within the office’s jurisdiction, it will be assigned to an attorney to conduct a preliminary inquiry or a disciplinary investigation. The assigned attorney will notify you if they are conducting a preliminary inquiry or if they are undertaking a confidential investigation of your complaint. You will be contacted if additional information is needed.

After the preliminary inquiry or disciplinary investigation is completed, you will receive by mail official notification of the disposition of your complaint. The complaint may be resolved through a review process, which includes one of the following:

• Dismissal of the complaint;
• Impose private discipline (diversion agreement);
• Impose public discipline (informal admonition);
• File formal disciplinary charges against the attorney. When charges are formally filed by petition, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel has the responsibility for prosecuting the charges before a hearing committee, the Board on Professional Responsibility, and ultimately the D.C. Court of Appeals. The charging document and the attorney response are public and will be posted on the D.C. Bar’s website. If the discipline includes suspension or disbarment, it must be review and approved by the D.C. Court of Appeals. All public discipline is posted on the D.C. Bar’s website.

No.  You may let us know if you are satisfied with any remedial actions taken by your attorney, but Disciplinary Counsel is still obligated to investigate your complaint.

Yes.  We may reach out to you for further information, and you will be notified of the outcome of our investigation.

Any of the following sanctions may be imposed on an attorney for a disciplinary violation:

1. Disbarment of the attorney from the practice of law. The attorney is prohibited from practicing law for at least five years and must petition for reinstatement to the bar and prove fitness to resume the practice of law.
2. Suspension for an appropriate fixed period of time not to exceed three years. The length of time depends on the nature of the misconduct. Any order of suspension may include a requirement that the attorney provide proof of rehabilitation as a condition of reinstatement. In the absence of such a requirement, the attorney may resume practice at the end of the period of suspension.
3. Censure. The attorney permitted to continue practicing law is publicly censured for misconduct but is permitted to continue practicing law.
4. Reprimand. The attorney is publicly reprimanded for misconduct but is permitted to continue practicing law.
5. Informal admonition. The attorney is written a letter of admonition by the Disciplinary Counsel for misconduct but permitted to continue practicing law.
6. Revocation or suspension of a license to practice as a Special Legal Consultant.
7. Probation. The Court imposes conditions that are related to the misconduct for not more than three years. Probation may be imposed in lieu of or in addition to any other disciplinary sanction. Any conditions of probation shall be stated in writing in the order imposing probation. The order shall also state whether, and to what extent, the attorney shall be required to notify clients of the probation. The Board by rule shall establish procedures for the supervision of probation. Violation of any condition of probation shall make the attorney subject to revocation of probation and the imposition of any other disciplinary sanction listed in this subsection, but only to the extent stated in the order imposing probation.

You can look to see whether your attorney has been disciplined.  Disciplinary Counsel is not permitted to disclose whether complaints were filed against an attorney unless they result in public discipline.

No.  It may be more difficult to investigate a complaint after significant time has passed, but there is no statute of limitations for filing a complaint with Disciplinary Counsel.

Disciplinary Counsel has the authority to investigate complaints against attorneys.  If we believe an attorney has violated their obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct, we can seek to discipline the attorney.

Disciplinary Counsel cannot:

• Represent you in any proceeding
• Give you legal advice 
• Recommend an attorney
• Stop other legal proceedings
• Recover money
• Force an attorney to do something

Yes.  All complaints need to be in writing, but if you have a question about the process or whether you should file a complaint, please call us at 202-638-1501.

If you are unhappy about a legal fee, in addition to contacting our office you may file a fee dispute with the D.C. Bar’s Attorney/Client Arbitration Board.  If you have lost funds due to an attorney’s dishonest conduct, you may be able to seek reimbursement from the D.C. Bar’s Clients’ Security Fund.

You can contact similar offices in other jurisdictions.

Disciplinary Counsel may not publicly disclose that the complaint has been filed. The D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct requires the Disciplinary Counsel to treat complaints as confidential matters until the attorney has been served with a petition instituting formal charges or has agreed to be formally disciplined.

A live broadcast that happens in real time and has a specific start time. A webcast incorporates video, audio, supporting material, and usually has presentation slides included.A live broadcast that happens in real time and has a specific start time. A webcast incorporates video, audio, supporting material, and usually has presentation slides included.

A live broadcast that is hosted on the Zoom platform. The webinar happens in real time and has and has a specific start time. A webinar typically incorporates video, audio and supporting material (e.g., presentation slides.)

A live broadcast that happens in real time and has a specific start time. A webinar incorporates audio, delivered through your computer; supporting materials, and usually has presentation slides included.

An on-demand program is a recording of a webinar or webcast event that is accessible at your convenience; this format may be paused or stopped, and if you choose, taken in segments over time.

You may narrow your search by dragging your cursor/mouse over the "Browse by Delivery Type" pull down located in the top, left corner of the catalog home page. Here, you can limit your search to the delivery type you wish to view.

You may search programs by using the "Search" bar at the top of the page, which is located at the top, center of the catalog home page. Here you may search by any word, all words, or an exact phrase.

On the Search Results page, you can assign the filters of your choice and re-sort the search results to your preference. The Category Filter shows the available primary categories with a number count of courses in each category. Once a primary category is selected, the secondary filter will populate with secondary categories within the primary category (includes course number count). When no primary category is indicated, all secondary categories will populate. You may access your course history by going “My Training” by hovering over "Hello, [Your Name]" in the top right corner and clicking " My Training" on the menu.

When you click on the title of the program there will be an "Add to Cart" or "Register Now" button to the right of the course details, click this to add the item(s) to your account. When you are ready to view your programs, visit our account. You will be brought to a Pricing Page that will list your pricing options. You will need to sign into your D.C. Bar account in order receive the correct member pricing for your jurisdiction(s). Follow the checkout prompts to complete your registration. Hover over “Hello, [Your Name]” to access your account and registrations.

Detailed information is provided on the course details page which can be accessed by clicking on a course title. The course details page will include program description/schedule/content, credit and faculty/presenters.

Upon completing your registration, you will be taken to your Product page. By default, you will see a list of your registered products organized first by events that have a future live date and then followed by your newest to oldest by product registration date. Additional filtering options are available to you at "Sort By" at the top of the screen and under "Refine your results" and "Display Registrations From" at the left of the screen. You will also receive a confirmation email to the email address associated with your online catalog account profile. NOTE: Depending on the section a course completion may or may not be required/applicable.

An account can be created one of three ways. The catalog home page may provide more specific log-in directions.

1. Click the "Hello Guest, Sign In" button located in the top right corner of the site. Follow the new account steps to establish a new user account. Bold fields are required for creating an account.
2. If you click the "Hello Guest, Sign In" button, and you are directed to the D.C. Bar log-in, use your member log-in.
3. Click the "Hello Guest, Sign In" button located in the top right corner of the site. Use your member/D.C. Bar log-in.

1. Navigate to the catalog home dcbar.InReachCE.com
2. Hover the mouse over "Hello, Guest" in the top right corner and click "Sign In." You will be redirected to the D.C. Bar site to enter your member credentials. Once logged in, the window will then redirect you back to the InReach Catalog logged in. The "Hello Guest" button with change to "Hello, [Your Name]"
3. If not redirected automatically to the products page, you can always find it by hovering your mouse over "Hello, [Your Name]" in the top right corner and clicking "Products" on the menu.
4. Once on the Products page, locate the appropriate program and launch.

• Windows: X86 or X64 (64-bit mode support for IE only) 1.6-gigahertz (GHz) or higher processor with 2GB RAM.
• Mac: Mac OS 10.5+(Leopard)(Browsers must be in 32-bit mode), an Intel Core Duo 1.83-gigahertz (GHz) or higher processor with 2GB RAM. Internet – A Cable or DSL internet connection providing 5-1OMbps is highly recommended for the best streaming experience.

You may want to access your course content from a different computer or location if you do not meet any of the previously listed requirements. Please reach out to our customer support team at (877) 880-1335 or [email protected] for assistance with testing your system.

IMPORTANT: If you will be accessing any of the online content at a work location, it is strongly recommended that you first check with your IT department or Network Administrator to ensure that you have appropriate permissions to install programs and/or the ability to access streaming media.

Recommended internet browsers are Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is not recommended. Microsoft is withdrawing support for Internet Explorer, functionality and security issues will not be fixed.

Ensure that pop up blockers are turned off; Private or Incognito browsing modes are turned off; your browser should be set to remember history and also allow for cookies from websites.

If the course is a playable format, when in your personal account, you will see a large "Play" button. The Play button is what you use to watch your program. On-Demand products can be accessed at your leisure. If you are connecting to a live program (webcast/webinar, or replay), you will not be able to start the program until the date/time listed in the product details. If the program is a Zoom Webinar, the “Play” button will open a window with the corresponding Zoom link. Downloadable content will have a green "Download" button that you press to either play the content from the site, or download and save to your computer.

When you click the green 'Play' button, it will launch the viewer in a new window or a Zoom link in a new window. If you are clicking this button and nothing is happening, more than likely the viewer window is already open. Please check all open and/or minimized windows.

• Please complete account/log-in and setup to test your connection before your first live webinar.
• Log in and connect to live events 15-20 minutes before scheduled start time. This gives you time to call us if you need help.
• Make sure you are not connected through Remote Desktop or VPN. This may affect the viewer launching successfully.
• Go to Google.com and search "speed test". You need 6-10 mbps to stream smoothly.
• Use a computer whenever possible. Courses will play on mobile, but computers are always recommended.
• If you are using a mobile device, connect to strong WiFi. Mobile data is not as stable and may interrupt your viewing.

There are three ways to contact us for immediate assistance.

• Phone: (877) 880-1335
• Email: [email protected]
• Chat: Access via the page footer below

Our support line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 9:00pm ET. Should you need assistance over the weekend, please leave a voicemail or send an e-mail and we will reply as quickly as possible.

Yes, if you receive IOLTA eligible funds. You are not required to have any client trust accounts until you begin to receive trust funds. For example, lawyers who are not in private practice may never receive IOLTA eligible funds. When you begin to receive funds on behalf of clients, such as advance fees or unearned costs, you must maintain either a separate trust account for each client (if the amount is expected to earn interest for the client in excess of the cost of maintaining the account), or an interest bearing common–client or “pooled” trust account to hold the funds of more than one client. Advance fee payments such as flat fees or sums against which an hourly rate will be applied are typically deposited into the D.C. IOLTA account. Absent informed consent from the client, a fee advance from a client must be placed in a trust account. Most firms place these fee advances in a D.C. IOLTA account because the advances are considered either nominal in amount or to be held for a short period of time and therefore any interest earned in an individual trust account would be consumed by the expense of administration. Therefore, if you receive IOLTA eligible funds, you must have a D.C. IOLTA account. If money you receive as a lawyer is for payment of legal services you have already provided, for example, you performed the work, sent a bill and were paid, then you do not need a trust account of any kind.

Yes, there are two limited exceptions. Trust funds are not deposited into a D.C. IOLTA when the lawyer is otherwise compliant with the contrary mandates of a tribunal. In other words, if a court order directs the lawyer to place trust funds in an account other than a D.C. IOLTA account, the lawyer must comply. The second exception occurs when the lawyer is participating in and compliant with the IOLTA program of another jurisdiction where the lawyer is licensed and principally practices. For example, if the lawyer is licensed in and principally practices in Maryland, IOLTA eligible funds from D.C. clients can be deposited into the Maryland IOLTA account and the lawyer would not need a D.C. IOLTA account.

Lawyers may seek additional guidance from the D.C. Bar’s legal ethics counsel, at 202-737-4700, ext. 1010, or at [email protected].

The same financial institution where you have your business (operating) account should be able to help you set it up using the proper forms, but you may choose any financial institution that is on the list of approved financial institutions. The list of approved financial institutions is available from the D.C. Bar Foundation (202-467-3750) or from the Board on Professional Responsibility (202-638-4290). If the person you are dealing with at the financial institution does not know what an IOLTA account is, go to another person, branch, or financial institution, or call the IOLTA program administrator (202-467-3750) or the Practice Management Advisor of the D.C. Bar (202-780-2762 or 202-780-2764) for help.

This is a one–page, 51.80 KB PDF document
Download and save now

Note: Many banks use this form. However, take the form with you when you open an IOLTA account, then forward it to the D.C. Bar Foundation. Do not send it directly to the Bar or attempt to fill it out online.

No, just the common–client trust account to which you deposit client funds of more than one client that are nominal in amount or to be held for a short period of time. Other trust accounts that you may choose to open for a single client ordinarily will not be IOLTA accounts; the client will get all interest on the funds held. Whether to set up a separate trust account rests in the sound judgment of the lawyer (see Rule 1.15, Comment [5]). The separate account is generally set up when the funds are more than “nominal” and/or to be held for longer than a “short” duration, such that the interest earned will not be consumed by the cost of administering the account.

These terms are expressly not defined in the Rule, and are left to the lawyer’s sound discretion. Many firms place advance fees from multiple clients into a common–client trust account, knowing that the funds will be removed as earned. Some firms also place settlement funds into a common–client trust account, knowing that the funds will be distributed to the client and other recipients within a few days or weeks. Other lawyers, knowing that they will be receiving large amounts of funds for a client, or must hold funds for weeks or months, decide to open a separate interest-bearing trust account for the benefit of that one client. The client then receives the benefit of the interest earned while those funds are being held by the lawyer. Again, the final determination is left to each lawyer to use sound reason to decide where to place the funds. Comment [5] to Rule 1.15 states in part: “The determination, under paragraph (b), whether trust funds are not expected to earn income in excess of costs, rests in the sound judgment of the lawyer. The lawyer should review trust practices at reasonable intervals to determine whether circumstances require further action with respect to the funds of any client or third party.”

It depends upon where you principally practice. When the lawyer is participating in, and compliant with, the trust accounting rules and the IOLTA program of another jurisdiction in which the lawyer is licensed and principally practices, the lawyer is not required to have a D.C. IOLTA account and can place D.C. eligible trust funds into the IOLTA account of the other jurisdiction. However, always check to make sure you are compliant with the IOLTA rules of the jurisdiction in which you principally practice.

If the clear majority of your income is generated in Maryland, you are considered to principally practice in Maryland and you are not obligated to have a District of Columbia IOLTA. For Maryland IOLTA questions see: www.mlsc.org.

Comment [4] to Rule 1.15 provides lawyers with guidance about how to determine his or her principal place of practice. Lawyers may also seek guidance from the D.C. Bar’s legal ethics counsel, at 202-737-4700, ext. 1010, or at [email protected].

For more information about the IOLTA program, please visit dcbarfoundation.org or contact the IOLTA administrator at the D.C. Bar Foundation at 202-467-3750.

For additional information about client trust accounts or handling client funds, contact the D.C. Bar Practice Management Advisory Service at 202-780-2762. The Practice Management Advisory Service is a free and confidential service of the District of Columbia Bar to help members with a wide range of practice management issues. For free and confidential assistance with ethical questions, please contact the D.C. Bar’s legal ethics counsel at 202-737-4700.

The LAP offers free and confidential clinical services on any issues that cause distress to D.C. Bar members, judges, and current D.C. law students. The problems may be related to work–life balance, career stress, relationships, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, substance use or more.

The services include:

• Face-to-face clinical assessment, short-term counseling, and referral resources
• Consultation with concerned others, such as employers, colleagues, or family members
• Volunteer/peer mentor connection
• Monitoring

To speak with a LAP counselor or schedule an intake appointment call 202-347-3131 or email [email protected]. 

Absolutely! Confidentiality and respect for privacy are the foundations of the program. The same therapist–client privilege applies that would for any mental health clinician.

Federal and local law prohibit the disclosure of any information pertaining to program participants, including their identity. The Lawyer Assistance Program will not disclose any information about lawyers, law students, or judges who seek its assistance to the Bar, to any entity affiliated with the Bar, or to anyone else. LAP volunteers (a lawyer in recovery providing peer support to other lawyers) are deemed to have lawyer–client confidentiality under Rule 1.6(i) of the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct.

The only exceptions are: (1) to avert a serious, imminent threat to your health or safety or that of another person and (2) to comply with legal obligations such as child abuse and elder abuse. 

The LAP is not affiliated in any way with ODC. The LAP is a confidential and separate program from discipline and the offices themselves are separate from ODC, BPR, and the courts. All communications with LAP are completely confidential and will not be disclosed to any person, agency, or organization without the participant’s explicit written authorization.

The LAP can be a resource to legal employers in many ways. The LAP offers management consultation and provides guidance and resources when there are concerns about an attorney’s performance or mental health. LAP staff also offer consultation to legal employers and law schools on best practices to encourage well-being. 

The program also offers free educational presentations to firms, judges, nonprofits, law schools, and other related organizations in the D.C. metropolitan area. The goal of the presentations is to raise awareness of LAP services and the impact that mental health, substance use, and well-being issues have on the legal profession. Programs can be standardized or specially designed for your group. Some programs may qualify for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits.

The LAP offers clinical services related to any problems that impact well-being, and stress in any realm is worth addressing. The hope is that attorneys seek help proactively before the problem becomes more serious. Chronic stress can lead to significant physical and mental health issues. Often talking to a neutral person, who can help assess the problem and identify strategies and resources, can make a difference. 

No issue is too small. The earlier someone gets help, the better. No lawyer should feel alone in their struggle. Do not hesitate to call us at 202-347-3131 or email at [email protected].

All LAP staff are licensed mental health professionals who will gladly consult with you about what actions, if any, are necessary and appropriate. LAP staff can provide guidance on effective techniques for communicating your concerns as well as resources that may be available for the colleague. Call us at 202-347-3131 to discuss.

 Learn how to provide support. Know the warning signs of suicide. 

The D.C. Court of Appeals Committee on Admissions (COA) does not require applicants to divulge information about treatment or counseling for mental health/addiction issues per se. Your LAP participation will not be reported to the COA. If you have specific questions about the character and fitness questions on the application to the D.C. Bar, please contact us. The ultimate goal of the admissions process is to ensure competence; seeking help for a mental health problem is an argument for competence, not against. Remember, there is nothing more important than your health.

As a reminder, all inquiries with the LAP are strictly confidential under the law. The LAP will NOT disclose any identifying information, without the student’s written permission, to law schools, the D.C. Bar, or anyone else without the student’s explicit permission.

If you have questions about the character and fitness portion of your Bar application, please give us a confidential call at 202-347-3131.

For a medical or psychiatric emergency, dial 9-1-1. If you are having suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone else, dial 9-8-8, for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

There are strict guidelines about who must complete the Mandatory Course.

1. All new admittees to the D.C. Bar (Active and Inactive)
   • Must be completed within 12 months of admission to be in compliance with the Court Rule
   • Failure to comply within 14 months of admission will result in administrative suspension

2. Certain Inactive members switching to Active status
   • Holding an Inactive status for five years or more and wishing to switch status to Active

3. Certain Suspended members
   • Holding a Suspended status for five years or more

4. Certain Resigned and Retired members
   • Holding a Resigned or Retired status for five years or more and wishing to reinstate to Active status

5. Judicial members switching to Active status

6. Any member who has held any combination statuses other than Active (Inactive, Judicial, Inactive/Retired, Suspended) for five years or more

• Suspension from practice of law in the District of Columbia
• Notice of administrative suspension is sent to the Courts of the District of Columbia
• You must notify your clients of your suspension
• You must withdraw your representation in any cases filed in the D.C. Courts
• If you reinstate, you must pay a reinstatement fee
• Administrative suspensions become a permanent part of your membership record
• During the period of administrative suspension, engaging in the practice of law in the District of Columbia is prohibited

While the curriculum may vary slightly for each session, it includes:  

• D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct 
• District of Columbia System for Regulation of Attorney Conduct 
• How to Fulfill Pro Bono Obligations 
• District of Columbia Court Practice 
• D.C. Bar Non-Disciplinary Regulatory Programs 
• District of Columbia Administrative Practice 

You must attend or view the Course in full to receive a Certification of Completion.

Pursuant to applicable law, any individual with a disability, or any other individual who requires reasonable accommodations as required by individual circumstances to access the Mandatory Course may request assistance by submitting a written statement to the D.C. Bar, ATTN: Mandatory Course Accommodations, 901 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, or by email to [email protected]. Deadline for receipt of request is at least three business days before registration for the Course.

For compliance purposes, there will be random codes visually displayed in large font and announced out loud. Attendees will have to capture and provide these codes at the conclusion of the course. We offer closed captioning for hearing impaired members. For more information, please contact the CLE Program by email at [email protected].

The on-demand Mandatory Course has been approved for 4.0 total CLE credit hours, including 3.0 legal ethics credits.

The in-person Mandatory Course has been approved for 5.0 total CLE credit hours, including 3.5 legal ethics credits.

Please submit your state’s attorney registration/bar number when you access the on-demand Mandatory Course within your D.C. Bar account.

The D.C. Bar does offer a number of membership benefits which can be found here.

Please go to the Attorneys area.

The D.C. Bar offers a variety of resources to attorneys including guidance on the interpretation of the rules of professional conduct, practice management advice, fee dispute resolution services, and free and confidential lawyer assistance program to assist lawyers, judges, and law students with issues such as mental health, addiction, and stress. These and other resources can be found here.

Please send an email to [email protected]. To learn more, please go to Member Connection Suite.

After receiving your request form, we will either confirm or deny your request via email. If your request is denied, you will need to submit a new request form for an alternate time.

The Member Connection Suite has coffee, tea, water, Wi-Fi, and printing capabilities.

Guests may print up to 100 pages/month at the Member Connection Suite. Printing instructions are found in each office or cubicle.

If you would like to bring a guest with you into your reserved workspace, prior approval is required. Please send an email to [email protected] with the guest’s name. Upon arrival, the guest will be required to fill out a liability form prior to accessing the workspace.

The D.C. Bar has a receptionist on the 3rd floor to greet guests and clients. While the receptionist will greet you upon arrival and can assist you with any urgent requests, they are not available for food deliveries or any administrative assistance.

The D.C. Bar sympathizes with the family, friends, and colleagues of our members who have passed. To report the death of a member, please contact Member Services by phone at 202-626-3475 or email to [email protected]. In order to appropriately update the member profile, we request you to provide the member’s date of passing. In some instances, you may also be asked to provide a copy of the death certificate or where the obituary is located.

Effective May 1, 2020, license renewal invoices will no longer be mailed.  However, members are required by Rule II, Section 2, of the D.C. Court of Appeals Rules Governing the District of Columbia Bar to update their address information within 30 days of any change. A U.S. Postal Service forwarding notice sent to the Bar is not a substitute for the member’s explicit written notice.

Yes, by contacting Member Services at 202-626-3475. Changes also can be submitted online, or via email at [email protected].

In order to change your name on our official Bar records, you must complete the Change of Name Request Form and provide supporting documentation, such as a copy of your certified marriage certificate, court approved divorce declaration, court approved name change documentation or other court ordered certified document affirming the requested change. Your notarized form and supporting documents may be returned via email to [email protected] or by fax to 866-550-9331.

Any updates to your contact information should be included with this request. New bar cards may be requested for a $10 fee from within your online member account.

Members who need their D.C. Bar Membership card replaced may log into their online member account to submit a replacement request. Bar cards are printed offsite and require 2-3 weeks for order processing and delivery. There is a $10 fee for the replacement of D.C. Bar membership cards.

No. If you want to become a member of the U.S. District Court, information on the requirements for admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia may be found here or by contacting their offices at 202-354-3100.

No. There is no residency requirement for the District of Columbia.

The District of Columbia Bar’s policy on personal information only allows the public to see or receive information on your listed business address and phone number. Addresses and phone numbers labeled as “home” do not display in our directory and are not given out to any third party without the authorized consent of the attorney.

D.C. Bar members are reminded that certain membership information required as part of the Bar’s annual registration process is available to the public.

Upon request of any person, the Bar will verify if a specific individual is a member and will release specific information. The information available to the public is whether an attorney is a member of the District of Columbia Bar, an attorney’s membership status, an attorney’s date of admission, and an attorney’s business address and phone number. The Bar also will provide member email and fax numbers unless the member elects to restrict the use of that information to official Bar communications. To restrict that use, please click “unlisted” next to your contact information inside your member account.

All unrestricted information is available on the Bar’s Find a Member search. All other information is confidential unless a signed authorization form is received from the attorney.

Please email [email protected] for information about the Bar’s COVID-19 guidelines.

The PMAS provides information and assistance to Bar members on most aspects of managing their law practice. Assistance is available by telephone and through scheduled on-site management assessments.

• Dan Mills 202-780-2762 / [email protected]  
• Kaitlin McGee 202-780-2764 / [email protected]

The PMAS does not provide assistance on substantive legal issues or perform any office functions for Bar members.

At present all services of the PMAS are free of charge to D.C. Bar members.

Yes, however, prior to an in-office management assessment, the lawyer(s) must agree to abide by specific confidentiality guidelines.

The PMAS publishes practice management resource materials and assists in developing law practice management continuing legal education programs for the District of Columbia Bar.

The D.C. Bar does not refer clients to lawyers or provide legal advice. Please click here  for resources. For assistance with free legal help please click here.

The D.C. Bar can confirm whether an attorney is licensed to practice in D.C. 

• To find out an attorney’s status please go to Find a Member 

• To find out if an attorney has faced disciplinary actions visit Attorney Disciplinary Decisions

Try to resolve issues with your attorney by communicating your concerns clearly and asking for a response.  Your attorney should clearly explain the fee agreement and scope of representation, keep you apprised of developments in your case, and respond to any reasonable requests for information you may have.

If you are unhappy about a legal fee, you may wish to file a fee dispute with the D.C. Bar’s Attorney/Client Arbitration Board. If you have lost funds due to an attorney’s dishonest conduct, you may be able to seek reimbursement from the D.C. Bar’s Clients’ Security Fund. For complaints about your attorney’s ethical behavior, you can file a complaint.

Exceptions to the vaccination requirement will be made in accordance with applicable law and may require additional safety measures such as testing and masking. Please contact [email protected] for further information.

Yes. To qualify as “fully vaccinated”, visitors must have received a booster shot in accordance with the current CDC guidelines. Click here to access the Visitor Vaccination Policy.

While on-site, Visitors are encouraged to wear face masks at all times except when eating or drinking. Social distancing is encouraged at all times.

Please visit bianlifan.com/covidguidelines for the most up-to-date visitor policy.

• D.C. Bar Headquarters
  901 4th Street NW
  Hours of Operation: 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Flat Rate: $15

• City Vista Parking/Colonial Parking
  440 L Street NW (Safeway garage)
  Washington, DC 20001
  Sunday-Saturday 5:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
  $9 per hour
  $13 – 2 Hours
  Daily Max – $20

• Franklin Parking
  901 5th Street NW
  Washington, DC 20001
  Sunday–Saturday 5:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
  Flat Rate: $10

• Laz Parking
  501 K Street NW
  Washington, DC 20001
  Monday–Thursday 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
  Friday–Saturday 6:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
  Sunday 6:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

• Judiciary Square (Red) – five blocks directly south at 450 F Street
• Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green/Yellow/Red) – five blocks southwest at H and 7th Streets
• Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street Convention Center (Green/Yellow) – six blocks at 7th and M Streets
• Union Station (Red) – six blocks southeast down Massachusetts Avenue

There are a number of bus lines within close walking distance of the Bar, including:

• D.C. Circulator a block south on Massachusetts Avenue
• X2 and 80 on H Street two blocks south
• D4 and P6 on I Street
• 96 on New Jersey Avenue one block east

D.C. Metrobus Schedules and Maps
D.C. Circulator

• 5th Street & K Street NW
• 7th Street & K Street NW
• 4th Street & K Street NW

Please check your account contact information to ensure your current address is on record. You may manage Communication Preferences through your online D.C. Bar account or by contacting Member Services by phone at 202-626-3475 or by email at [email protected].

You may manage Communication Preferences by logging into your D.C. Bar account online or by contacting Member Services by phone at 202-626-3475 or email to [email protected].

The D.C. Bar creates a member account on your behalf when we receive your registration statement from the District Court of Appeals. Click here to retrieve the password, enter the username (primary email address) and an email will be sent to your address on file. If you do not have an email address associated with your member account, please contact Member Services by phone at 202-626-3475 or email at [email protected] for log-in assistance. We will ask for member information as a security verification measure.

The username is the primary email address on record. In order to update your username, please click on “My Full Contact Info” and either enter or select the desired email address as the primary.

In order to change your password, please follow the steps below. 

1. Log in to the D.C. Bar’s website through My Account.

2. Click on the link “Change My Password” on the right hand side. 

3. Enter a new password and then click “Save”. 

Upon login to your member account, select the “Renew Membership” button. Complete the steps to update any profile information, join Communities, and/or add a voluntary Pro Bono donation to your invoice.

Select the option for “Payment by Check” and follow the prompts to download and print your invoice.

If you are a D.C. Bar member and create a new account, your membership will not be connected to the self-created account. Click here to retrieve your password, enter the username (primary email address), and an email will be sent to your address on file. If you are unsure which email address is tied to your member record, contact Member Services by phone at 202-626-3475 or email at [email protected] for log-in assistance. We will ask for membership information as a security verification measure.