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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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