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District of Columbia

Top D.C. CLE Questions

TOP WASHINGTON D.C. CLE QUESTIONS

How many CLE hours are required?

There is no mandatory CLE requirement for most D.C. Bar members. However, see the information below on the Mandatory Course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice for new admittees to the District of Columbia Bar and certain other attorneys returning from inactive status.

Why should I take CLE if I live in Washington D.C.?

Attorneys in Washington D.C. are encouraged to complete CLE courses in order to maintain their competence to practice law (See D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.1, Comment [6]). Some providers of professional liability insurance also offer a discount for attorneys who complete CLE in non-mandatory states.

How many CLE hours can I take through Attorney Credits?

Attorneys may take as many CLE courses as they need to fulfill their ethical duties and maintain their competence to practice law.

Is there a CLE requirement for newly admitted attorneys?

All newly admitted attorneys are required to complete the Mandatory District of Columbia Course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice (Mandatory Course). The Mandatory Course must be completed within 12 months after admission to the D.C. Bar. After completion of the entire course, new admittees will receive a certificate confirming their compliance with this mandatory requirement. The D.C. Bar administers the Mandatory Course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice for new admittees to the District of Columbia Bar.

What if I have been inactive for more than five years?

D.C. attorneys who have been on inactive status with the D.C. Bar for 5 or more years must complete the Mandatory Course before returning to active status. In addition, attorneys who have resigned or have been suspended for 5 or more years (including suspension for nonpayment of dues) must also complete the Mandatory Course before returning to active status.

Does Attorney Credits verify my completion?

No. D.C. attorneys monitor their own progress and verify their own completion once the course has been completed.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information about CLE in Washington D.C., please call the D.C. Bar at (202) 626-1315 or visit the D.C. Bar website: https://www.dcbar.org/.

You may also contact Attorney Credits by phone. For further assistance and information about the Connecticut CLE requirement, please call our Support Center at (760) 434-1885.

District of Columbia CLE Requirements

State Requirements

There are no District of Columbia Bar CLE requirements at this time.

CLE MADE EASY

D.C. State Bar CLE Info

The AttorneyCredits.com website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - so you can complete your CLE courses whenever it's convenient for you! You can complete your D.C. CLE online courses on most computers, laptops, tablets & smartphones. You have the option to complete your D.C. Bar CLE courses in the following media formats: streaming video and video download. Attorney Credits is an approved provider of CLE around the country and currently offers CLE in 48 states. We make completing your District of Columbia CLE courses easy, convenient and affordable!

Lawyers in D.C. generally do not have a mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) requirement. Newly admitted attorneys and those attorneys who have been inactive members of the D.C. Bar for five or more years are required to complete the mandatory course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice. However, while there is currently no minimum continuing legal education (CLE) requirement for many lawyers admitted to District of Columbia Bar, D.C. lawyers are encouraged to complete CLE courses in order to maintain their competence to practice law (see: Comment [6] to Rule 1.1 of the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct). There are also some professional liability insurance carriers that offer a discounted rate for D.C. attorneys that complete certain CLE courses. For example, ALPS offers a 10% credit for each attorney in a law firm that has completed 3 CLE hours each year in the areas of Loss Prevention, Legal Ethics, Risk Management & Office Management. Stay competent to practice law in Washington, D.C., and enjoy savings on your legal malpractice insurance - sign up with Attorney Credits today and start studying your D.C. Bar CLE courses in minutes!