D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct

DC Bar: For Lawyers

New Member Reception

D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct

This document has governed the practice of law in the District of Columbia since February 1, 2007.

Scope
Rule 1—Client-Lawyer Relationship

1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14
1.15
1.16
1.17
1.18
1.19

Terminology
Competence
Scope of Representation
Diligence and Zeal
Communication
Fees
Confidentiality of Information
Conflict of Interest: General Rule
Conflict of Interest: Specific Rules
Conflict of Interest: Former Client
Imputed Disqualification: General Rule
Successive Government and Private Employment
Former Arbitrator
Organization as Client
Client Under a Disability
Safekeeping Property
Declining or Terminating Representation
Sale of Law Practice
Duties to Prospective Client
Trust Account Overdraft Notification

Rule 2—Counselor

2.1
2.3
2.4

Advisor
Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
Lawyer Serving as Third Party Neutral

Rule 3—Advocate

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9

Meritorious Claims and Contentions
Expediting Litigation
Candor to Tribunal
Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
Trial Publicity
Lawyer as Witness
Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings

Rule 4—Transactions with Persons Other Than Clients

4.1
4.2

4.3
4.4

Truthfulness in Statements to Others
Communication Between Lawyer and Person Represented by Counsel
Dealing with Unrepresented Person
Respect for Rights of Third Persons

Rule 5—Law Firms and Associations

5.1

5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7

Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers
Subordinate Lawyer
Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
Professional Independence of a Lawyer
Unauthorized Practice
Restrictions on Right to Practice
Restrictions Regarding Law–Related Services

Rule 6—Public Service

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5

Pro Bono Publico Service
Accepting Appointments
Membership in Legal Services Organization
Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests Nonprofit and Court–Annexed Limited Legal Service Programs

Rule 7—Information About Legal Services

7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5

Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services
Not contained in District of Columbia Rules
Not contained in District of Columbia Rules
Not contained in District of Columbia Rules
Firm Names and Letterheads

Rule 8—Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5

Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
Not contained in District of Columbia Rules
Reporting Professional Misconduct
Misconduct
Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law

Rule 9—Nondiscrimination by Members of the Bar

9.1

Nondiscrimination

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