FAQs
Becoming a D.C. Bar Member – New Admissions
How can I check on the status of my application?
The Committee on Admissions can answer questions about the status of your submitted application. Please log into your account and use the "Create Message" button on your homepage. Your message will go directly to the Staff Reviewer responsible for your application. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response. Visit DC Bar Admissions Contact Information for additional information.
How do I become a D.C. Bar member?
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.
Do you have reciprocity with my state? Where can I find information?
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.
How do I obtain a duplicate copy of my original application?
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.
I was recently sworn into the D.C. Bar. When can I expect to receive my Bar number?
I was recently sworn into the D.C. Bar and paid my license fees for the year. So, why am I receiving another invoice?
As a new member, your initial license fee is assessed upon admission, which was payable upon completion of your new member registration.
Annual license fees are based on a fiscal year which runs from July 1 to June 30, not a calendar year. Therefore, it is possible for a member to pay two license fees in one calendar year for two separate fiscal years depending upon when you were admitted to the D.C. Bar.
New members are assessed licensed fees in accordance with Article III, Section 3.01(A)(1) of the Bylaws, 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.
How do I obtain an Engraved Wall Certificate?
Wall Certificate requests are handled by the Committee on Admissions at the D.C. Court of Appeals. After your admission certification is completed, an email will be sent to you containing a username and password to facilitate the ordering of a wall certificate and optional frame to display your achievement. Please be sure to monitor your emails, including your spam folder, for an email from [email protected] (no reply.) Adding this email to your address book will help ensure receipt.
If you were admitted prior to January 2016, or if you have any questions about the Wall Certificate order process, please email [email protected] with your name and admission date to make a request.
