Much of the work of the D.C. Bar is done by the committees listed below. Appointments to these committees as well as designation of chairs are made by the Bar president with the confirmation of the Board of Governors. The exceptions are the Attorney/Client Arbitration Board, Legal Ethics Committee, and Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee, which are elected by the Board of Governors.
For more information about D.C. Bar committees, contact [email protected].
Attorney/Client Arbitration Board
The Attorney/Client Arbitration Board (ACAB) oversees a Fee Arbitration Service which includes a Voluntary Mediation Program. The Fee Arbitration Service has jurisdiction over disputes about fees paid, charged or claimed for legal services between attorneys and their clients. It includes a mandatory program for attorneys when named as respondents, and for clients when named as respondents where the parties entered into a pre–dispute agreement to arbitrate fee disputes if the agreement complies with Legal Ethics Opinion 376. It also includes a voluntary program when clients are named as respondents in the absence of a pre–dispute agreement between the parties addressing how fee disputes will be handled. The ACAB consists of 11 members—seven active members of the Bar and four nonlawyers. The ACAB holds approximately five to six committee meetings, one arbitrator training session, and one arbitrator and mediator appreciation reception per year. The Committee normally meets from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every other month, except in August. ACAB members are also encouraged to apply for selection as an arbitrator for the ACAB, when such vacancies occur.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee provides independent oversight of the Bar’s financial reporting, internal controls, and audit functions. The committee selects the Bar’s audit firm and receives and acts on the annual report of the firm. The committee also provides a forum for receiving and investigating complaints and charges related to accounting, legal matters, or retaliatory acts. Positions: 3 members of the Board of Governors, the majority of whom have completed at least one year of service on the Board. 2 additional committee members Please note: Neither the Immediate-Past President nor the Treasurer may serve on this Committee. Appointed or Elected: Appointed in July by the President with the approval of the Board Term: Three years, staggered (no more than two consecutive terms)
Budget
Communities Committee
The Communities Committee (Committee) will oversee the operation of the D.C. Bar Communities Program by facilitating Communities-wide programming and content, volunteer opportunities, and member engagement initiatives. The committee shall consist of not more than 11 persons, appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board for staggered two–year terms, with no person to serve more than three consecutive terms. For more information about serving on the committee, email [email protected].
Communities are committed to promoting diversity within its leadership in order to recognize and reflect the numerous demographics they serve. To review the Communities Statement on Diversity and Inclusion, click here.
Continuing Legal Education
The Continuing Legal Education Committee oversees the District of Columbia Bar CLE Program and the education component of the Mandatory Course on the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice. The committee evaluates course proposals and generates course ideas. Committee members recommend course chairs and faculty members. The committee also evaluates and approves requests from D.C. Bar Communitys to cosponsor programs for continuing legal education (CLE) credit with outside CLE sponsors. The committee consists of 15 active members and normally meets from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month except August. Appointments are made in the fall.