District of Columbia Rules of Professional Conduct

[This edition, compiled by the LII editors, has a cutoff date of June 1, 2002.]

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The D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct have two lapses in sequential numbering. The section entitled "Information About Legal Services" contains no Rules 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4, and the section entitled "Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession" contains no Rule 8.2.

The D.C. Rules were drafted following the numbering system of the American Bar Association's Model Rules. The D.C. Court of Appeals, however, chose not to adopt several rules included in the ABA Model and also elected not to renumber the remaining rules sequentially.

[This edition, compiled by the LII editors, has a cutoff date of June 1, 2002.]

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Introduction

• Preface to the District of Columbia Rules
• Scope
• Terminology

PART 1. CLIENT-LAWYER RELATIONSHIP

• Rule 1.1: Competence
• Rule 1.2: Scope of Representation
• Rule 1.3: Diligence and Zeal
• Rule 1.4: Communication
• Rule 1.5: Fees
• Rule 1.6: Confidentiality of Information
• Rule 1.7: Conflict of Interest: General
• Rule 1.8: Conflict of Interest: Specific Rules
• Rule 1.9: Conflict of Interest: Former Client
• Rule 1.10: Imputed Disqualification: General Rule
• Rule 1.11: Successive Government and Private or Other Employment
• Rule 1.12: Third-Party Neutrals
• Rule 1.13: Organization as Client
• Rule 1.14: Client with Diminished Capacity
• Rule 1.15: Safekeeping Property
• Rule 1.16: Declining or Terminating Representation
• Rule 1.17: Sale of Law Practice
• Rule 1.18: Duties to Prospective Client
• Rule 1.19: Trust Account Overdraft Notification

PART 2. COUNSELOR

• Rule 2.1: Advisor
• Rule 2.3: Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
• Rule 2.4: Lawyer Serving as Third-Party Neutral

PART 3. ADVOCATE

• Rule 3.1: Meritorious Claims and Contentions
• Rule 3.2: Expediting Litigation
• Rule 3.3: Candor to Tribunal
• Rule 3.4: Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
• Rule 3.5: Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
• Rule 3.6: Trial Publicity
• Rule 3.7: Lawyer as Witness
• Rule 3.8: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
• Rule 3.9: Advocate in Non-adjudicative Proceedings

PART 4. TRANSACTIONS WITH PERSONS OTHER THAN CLIENTS

• Rule 4.1: Truthfulness in Statements to Others
• Rule 4.2: Communication Between Lawyer and Person Represented by Counsel
• Rule 4.3: Dealing with Unrepresented Person
• Rule 4.4: Respect for Rights of Third Persons

PART 5. LAW FIRMS AND ASSOCIATIONS

• Rule 5.1: Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers
• Rule 5.2: Subordinate Lawyers
• Rule 5.3: Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
• Rule 5.4: Professional Independence of a Lawyer
• Rule 5.5: Unauthorized Practice
• Rule 5.6: Restrictions on Right to Practice
• Rule 5.7: Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services

PART 6. PUBLIC SERVICE

• Rule 6.1: Pro Bono Publico Service
• Rule 6.2: Accepting Appointments
• Rule 6.3: Membership in Legal Services Organization
• Rule 6.4: Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests
• Rule 6.5: Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs

PART 7. INFORMATION ABOUT LEGAL SERVICES

• Rule 7.1: Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services
• Rule 7.5: Firm Names and Letterheads

PART 8. MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE PROFESSION

• Rule 8.1: Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
• Rule 8.3: Reporting Professional Misconduct
• Rule 8.4: Misconduct
• Rule 8.5: Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law

PART 9. NONDISCRIMINATION BY MEMBERS OF THE BAR

• Rule 9.1: Nondiscrimination