FAQs
Becoming a D.C. Bar Member – New Admissions
How can I check on the status of my application?
Please contact the District of Columbia Court of Appeals’ 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.
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?
You will receive a Bar number no more than 30 days after the submission of your initial registration statement. Your Bar number is listed on the main page of your D.C. Bar online account once logged in. You will also receive an invoice to your primary address on record, as specified on the registration statement that lists your Bar number under “Member Number.” Additionally, you will receive a Bar card with your Bar number. If you provided an email address on your registration statement, you should receive an email from the D.C. Bar with your Bar number and information on your new member account.
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, you received your first annual license fee invoice within a month of your admission, which was payable upon receipt. Annual license fees are based on a fiscal year, July 1 to June 30, not a calendar year. Therefore, it is possible for a member to receive two different invoices in one calendar year for two separate fiscal years depending upon when you were admitted to the D.C. Bar.
Members are invoiced by the D.C. Bar for annual license fees, according to Bylaw, Article III Section 1, 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.
To further discuss this matter, please contact Member Services at 202-626-3475 or email [email protected].
How do I obtain an Engraved Wall Certificate?
You can request an Engraved Wall Certificate by completing the D.C. Courts of Appeals Application for Engraved Wall Certificate Form. This application must be typewritten and include a $40 cashier’s check, certified check, or money order payable to “Clerk, D.C. Court of Appeals.” This application may be submitted at any time after you receive your Bar number. Please mail form and fee to:
Engraved Certificate Office
D.C. Courts of Appeals/Committee on Admissions
430 E Street NW – Room 123
Washington, DC 20001
