40 Years of Growth, Challenges, and Success
The D.C. Bar marked its 40th anniversary in April with a sense of pride in its past and anticipation for its future. Created by the D.C. Court of Appeals two years after the enactment of the D.C. Court Reorganization Act of 1970, the Bar since has endeavored to carry out its unique purposes as set forth in the D.C. Court of Appeals Rules Governing the Bar in a manner that consistently demonstrates the highest levels of service, integrity, and leadership to the courts, to individual Bar members, and also to the public. Throughout its history, the Bar has evolved to meet emerging needs and to find new ways to improve the legal system and the administration of justice.
As it concludes its 2011–2012 fiscal year, the Bar takes a look at some of its accomplishments since its founding in 1972, from zero membership on its first day to becoming the second–largest mandatory bar in the nation today, from building a highly respected pro bono program to implementing its first strategic plan, and from relying on a one–way communication channel to establishing a social media presence.
Improving the Legal Profession
While it’s no surprise that the D.C. Bar has grown in size since it was created in April 1972, the statistics are a bit startling. Three months after its starting point, the Bar had 10,925 members; as of March 2012 there were 97,493 Bar members—a 900 percent increase.
Membership is not the only thing that changed the past 40 years. Prior to the creation of the Bar by the D.C. Court of Appeals, there was no centralized system to protect the public from lawyers whose practices fell short of the ethical standards required of members of the legal profession. Today the Bar has a comprehensive disciplinary system that includes the prosecutors in the Office of Bar Counsel and adjudicators serving on the Board on Professional Responsibility and its hearing committees.
The Bar also has a variety of nondisciplinary regulatory programs designed to serve the membership as well as the public. The Bar’s Legal Ethics Committee provides ongoing guidance concerning the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct; the Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee works to ensure the rules are current and relevant; the Practice Management Advisory Service runs the popular “Basic Training and Beyond” course that teaches attorneys how to build and run their own law practices; and the Lawyer Assistance Program assists attorneys, judges, and law students dealing with substance abuse or mental health problems.
The Bar’s role extends beyond its membership as well. Its Attorney/Client Arbitration Board facilitates a prompt and efficient process for the resolution of fee disputes, and its Clients’ Security Fund Trustees provide a process to reimburse individuals who have sustained losses as a result of dishonest conduct of Bar members. That particular fund, which is replenished annually to maintain a $750,000 minimum balance, paid 96 claims totaling almost $570,000 in the past year.
Empowering Lawyers to Achieve Excellence
It wasn’t until 1990 that the D.C. Bar established its own structured program of continuing legal education for members. Since then the Bar’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program has rapidly grown both in size and popularity, offering some of the best ethics and practice area courses in the country.
Last year the CLE Program offered 141 classes focused on ethics issues and various other areas of the law, and it held 12 sessions of the Mandatory Course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice. In fiscal year 2011–12 the program served more than 10,000 course registrants.
Since its CLE offerings are accredited in all 45 states with mandatory CLE requirements, the Bar also processed more than 8,600 attorney accreditation forms for program attendees in the past year.
Professional advancement is also available through membership in the Bar’s sections. In 1974 the Bar formed 16 “divisions” to provide members with opportunities to convene around areas of legal expertise and interest. Those divisions have evolved into the Bar’s current 20 sections that host hundreds of educational and networking opportunities each year for more than 22,000 members.
In the last fiscal year the Bar formed a Leadership Development Committee tasked to create a program that would identify, train, and develop current and potential leaders in the legal profession. This year the Bar continued those efforts, designing a leadership program for future leaders to be launched next year and another designed for current D.C. Bar leaders being implemented this year.
Enhancing Access to Justice
Today it’s hard to imagine the D.C. Bar without its much-lauded Pro Bono Program, but until 1976 the Bar had no infrastructure in place to assist members in fulfilling their pro bono obligations.
Since its creation the Pro Bono Program has worked continuously to strengthen and enhance its offerings, as well as to nurture the pro bono commitment of the District’s legal community. Last year the Pro Bono Program provided legal information, advice, and/or representation to more than 20,000 individuals, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in the District.
This fiscal year the Pro Bono Program’s Community Economic Development Project trained 325 community–based organizations in the District on the new D.C. Nonprofit Corporation Act, which governs local nonprofits and has been substantially revised for the first time since 1962. The Pro Bono Program also experienced a significant transition following the retirement of its longtime executive director, Maureen Thornton Syracuse, after 19 years of service. Taking over the helm of the Pro Bono Program is Monika Kalra Varma, former director of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights.
In line with its commitment to access to justice, the Bar created the D.C. Bar Foundation in 1977 to help secure much-needed funding for legal services organizations that provide free civil legal services to low–income and underserved District residents. Last year, through the generous support of law firms and with earnings from the D.C. Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Program, the foundation distributed $3 million to 17 local legal services providers. Since its inception the foundation has awarded more than $36 million in grants to legal services organizations in the District.
As in years past, the Bar joined the D.C. Access to Justice Commission in early 2012 to advocate for continued public funding for civil legal services by the D.C. Council.
Keeping Up With Technology
In its early years, communication between the D.C. Bar and its members was limited to published periodicals, starting with the Bar Report, followed by District Lawyer, and, finally, Washington Lawyer. While Washington Lawyer remains the Bar’s flagship publication, the organization has embraced new technology to reach out to members, such as through e-mail, the Bar’s Web site, and the monthly electronic newsletter E-Brief.
Throughout his term, Bar President Darrell G. Mottley focused on utilizing technology to make the Bar more accessible to members and to establish reciprocal channels of communication. A Strategic Information Technology Plan was established through a new standing technology committee of the Bar to pursue these efforts, which include a redesign of the Bar’s Web site for easier use. In January the Bar also launched its leadership blog, D.C. Bar Voices at http://dcbarvoices.typepad.com/dcbar, as an avenue for the exchange of ideas and information. While it has already established its presence on
LinkedIn, the Bar took further steps into the world of social media, joining Twitter and Facebook in early 2012 to engage members.
Looking to the Future
Throughout its 40–year history, the D.C. Bar has done its best to adjust to the changing needs of its members by undertaking new initiatives and programs. But while the Bar’s planning was thoughtful and intentional, it lacked a long–range vision. This changed at the end of 2009 when the Board of Governors approved the Bar’s first strategic plan, which provides guidelines for the organization’s future and helps to ensure that any decisions made are consistent with the overall direction of the Bar.
Guided with the strategic plan, the Bar is able to move strategically and deliberately toward its goals and “an envisioned future” of being recognized as the national leader in the legal profession for professional excellence, preeminent programs, and exemplary public service. By focusing its energies on specific goal areas and underlying strategic objectives, the Bar is able to make the best use of its limited resources as it continues to serve its members and the community.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BAR AND AFFILIATE
Consolidated Statements of Activities and Financial Position • Years Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010| Revenue | 2011 | 2010 |
| Members’ dues | $21,092,214 | $19,627,406 |
| Admissions and Registrations | 1,857,475 | 2,027,877 |
| Advertising | 278,095 | 403,944 |
| Books and Publication Sales | 158,404 | 184,422 |
| Contributions | 1,983,039 | 1,945,390 |
| In–kind Contributions | 3,153,880 | 2,646,045 |
| Investment Income (Loss) | 2,683,986 | 1,052,142 |
| Mailing List | 36,534 | 34,129 |
| Miscellaneous | 70,455 | 46,495 |
| Other Fees and Services | 11,890 | 10,936 |
| Rental Income | 20,271 | 13,515 |
| Royalties | 268,098 | 250,429 |
| Total Revenue | $31,614,341 | $28,242,730 |
| Expenses | ||
| Program Services: | ||
| Board on Professional Responsibility | $7,032,356 | $6,985,793 |
| Regulation Counsel | 2,253,306 | 2,033,817 |
| Conference and Annual Meeting | 153,854 | 440,218 |
| Continuing Legal Education | 3,112,132 | 2,815,131 |
| Sections | 1,361,735 | 1,312,013 |
| Clients’ Security Trust Fund | 568,565 | 379,121 |
| Publications | 2,076,931 | 2,076,247 |
| Pro Bono Program | 1,794,938 | 1,728,736 |
| Total Program Services | $18,353,817 | $17,771,076 |
| Supporting Services: | ||
| Administration & Finance—D.C. Bar | $7,555,145 | $7,415,819 |
| Administration & Finance—Pro Bono | 272,122 | 242,595 |
| Executive Office | 1,222,870 | 1,183,420 |
| Fundraising Pro Bono | 225,946 | 183,031 |
| Total Supporting Services | 9,276,083 | 9,024,865 |
| Total Expenses | 27,629,900 | 26,795,941 |
| Changes in net assets | 3,984,441 | 1,446,789 |
| Net Assets Beginning of Year | 9,107,896 | 7,661,107 |
| Net Assets End of Year | $13,092,337 | $9,107,896 |
| Assets | 2011 | 2010 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalent | $10,204,544 | $9,071,382 |
| Investments: Clients’ Security Trust Fund | 750,001 | 700,001 |
| Investments | 16,537,255 | 13,338,096 |
| Receivables, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | 244,531 | 199,248 |
| Other Assets | 491,112 | 421,220 |
| Property and Leasehold Improvements, Net | 5,813,417 | 6,527,537 |
| Total Assets | $34,040,860 | $30,257,484 |
| Liabilities and Net Assets | ||
| Liabilities: | ||
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | $3,604,260 | $3,470,476 |
| Deferred Revenue | 12,732,946 | 13,011,207 |
| Landlord Improvement Allowance | 3,567,726 | 3,927,496 |
| Deferred Rent Liability | 994,346 | 713,929 |
| Other Liabilities | 49,245 | 26,480 |
| Total Liabilities | $20,948,523 | $21,149,588 |
| Net Assets Designated: | ||
| Mandatory Dues Purposes | $6,663,968 | $3,681,101 |
| Clients’ Security Trust Fund | 750,001 | 700,001 |
| Pro Bono Program | 2,862,678 | 2,561,732 |
| Sections | 1,043,950 | 724,800 |
| Continuing Legal Education | 316,647 | 203,740 |
| Undesignated | 1,455,093 | 1,236,522 |
| Total Net Assets | $13,092,337 | $9,107,896 |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | $34,040,860 | $30,257,484 |
The above financial reports represent the District of Columbia Bar’s Consolidated Statements of Activities and the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. Any member who wishes to receive a full copy of the Bar’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules may request one by calling 202-737-4700, ext. 3343.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2011–2012
President
Darrell G. Mottley
Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
President–Elect
Thomas S. Williamson Jr.
Covington & Burling LLP
Secretary
Marianela Peralta
Walmart Stores, Inc.
Treasurer
Jeffrey S. Gutman
The George Washington University
Law School
Members
Johnine P. Barnes
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Brigida Benitez
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Amy L. Bess
Vedder Price P.C.
Paulette E. Chapman
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P.
H. Guy Collier
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Sabine S. Curto
Jenner & Block LLP
Judy Deason
King & Spalding LLP
Andrea C. Ferster
Law Offices of Andrea Ferster
Ronald S. Flagg
Sidley Austin LLP
Stephen I. Glover
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Glenn F. Ivey
Venable LLP
Bridget Bailey Lipscomb
U.S. Department of Justice
Lorelie S. Masters
Jenner & Block LLP
Barry C. Mills
Robert D. Okun
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
James W. Rubin
SNR Denton
Javier G. Salinas
Grant Thornton LLP
R. Justin Smith
U.S. Department of Justice
Annamaria Steward
University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
D.C. BAR COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES
Attorney/Client Arbitration Board
Malcolm M. Pritzker, Chair
Brian L. Blonder, Vice Chair
Audit
Ronald S. Flagg, Chair
Budget
Thomas S. Williamson Jr., Chair
Community Economic Development Pro Bono Project Advisory
Prof. Susan Bennett, Chair
Richard Marks, Vice Chair
Compensation
Darrell G. Mottley, Chair
Continuing Legal Education
Catherine D. Bertram, Chair
Luke Reynolds, Vice Chair
Court Funding
Carolyn B. Lamm, Chair
Disaster Practice Issues Working Group
Richard B. Nettler, Chair
Election Board
Darnell L. Henderson, Chair
Executive
Darrell G. Mottley, Chair
Family Law Task Force
Rita M. Bank, Cochair
Margaret J. McKinney, Cochair
Finance
Ronald S. Flagg, Chair
Judicial Evaluation
Thomas C. Papson, Chair
Lawyer Assistance Program
Ellen L. Stefani-Pyle, Chair
Clarence F. Stanback, Vice Chair
Leadership Development
Philip A. Lacovara, Cochair
Eileen Sobeck, Cochair
Legal Ethics
Thomas M. Mason, Chair
Albert W. Turnbull, Vice Chair
Membership
Marilyn T. Lynch, Chair
James T. Langford, Vice Chair
Nominations
Patrick McGlone, Chair
Pension
Ronald S. Flagg, Chair
Practice Management Service
Natalie Marie Koss, Chair
Michelle C. Thomas, Vice Chair
Pro Bono
James J. Sandman, Chair
Ann K. Ford, Vice Chair
Publications
Don A. Resnikoff, Chair
Elizabeth T. Simon, Vice Chair
Regulations/Rules/Board Procedures
Ankur J. Goel, Chair
Rules of Professional Conduct Review
George R. Clark, Chair
Peggy Love, Vice Chair
Screening
James W. Rubin, Chair
Senior Lawyer Project Working Group
Marc L. Fleischker, Chair
Technology
Laura A. Possessky
D.C. BAR SECTIONS
Council on Sections
Katherine C. Gehringer, Chair
Thomas C. Mugavero, Vice Chair
Administrative Law and Agency Practice Section
Jonathan G. Cedarbaum, Cochair
Michael L. Stern, Cochair
Antitrust and Consumer Law Section
Nadine Jones, Cochair
Don A. Resnikoff, Cochair
Arts, Entertainment, Media and Sports Law Section
Andrew T. Mirsky, Cochair
Lita T. Rosario, Cochair
Corporation, Finance and Securities Law Section
Felicia C. Battista, Chair
Keir D. Gumbs, Vice Chair
Courts, Lawyers and the Administration of Justice Section
Frederick V. Mulhauser, Cochair
Sean C. Staples, Cochair
Criminal Law and Individual Rights Section
Patricia A. Cresta-Savage, Cochair
Geneva G. Vanderhorst, Cochair
District of Columbia Affairs Section
David L. Goldblatt, Cochair
Edward J. Rich, Cochair
Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section
Bicky Corman, Cochair
Kelly A. Johnson, Cochair
Estates, Trusts and Probate Law Section
James Larry Frazier, Cochair
Katherine M. Wiedmann, Cochair
Family Law Section
Nancy E. Drane, Cochair
Rebecca C. Shankman, Cochair
Government Contracts and Litigation Section
Keith D. Coleman, Cochair
Kevin J. Maynard, Cochair
Health Law Section
Tearyn J. Loving, Cochair
Cathy Zeman Scheineson, Cochair
Intellectual Property Law Section
Leigh Ann Lindquist, Cochair
Sidney A. Rosenzweig, Cochair
International Law Section
Geoffrey M. Goodale, Chair
Penny Wakefield, Vice Chair
Labor and Employment Law Section
H. David Kelly Jr., Cochair
Joyce E. Taber, Cochair
Law Practice Management Section
Anne E. Collier, Chair
William C. Paxton, Vice Chair
Litigation Section
Michael D. Kass, Cochair
Lucy E. Newton, Cochair
Real Estate, Housing and Land Use Section
David H. Cox, Cochair
Steven L. Dube, Cochair
Taxation Section
Serena G. Simons, Chair
George A. Hani, Vice Chair
Tort Law Section
Kelly J. Fisher, Cochair
Denis C. Mitchell, Cochair
AFFILIATED PROGRAMS
Board on Professional Responsibility
Ray S. Bolze, Chair
Deborah J. Jeffrey, Vice Chair
Clients’ Security Fund Study
Geoffrey M. Klineberg, Chair
Nathalie F. P. Gilfoyle, Vice Chair
District of Columbia Bar Foundation
Emilio W. Cividanes, President
Marna S. Tucker, Vice President
