General Washington D.C. Continuing Legal Education Credit Requirements
Even though Washington, D.C. does not have a mandatory CLE requirement, CLE helps attorneys stay current on legal developments, meet client expectations, and uphold their duty of competence under Rule 1.1. CLE is especially important for attorneys who:
- Are licensed in multiple jurisdictions,
- Work in highly regulated industries, or
- Plan to move to or seek admission in a state with mandatory CLE.
Absolutely. NBI provides live webinars, in-person seminars, and OnDemand courses for attorneys who want to improve their skills, earn credit in other states, or stay informed on emerging legal topics.
Yes. Even though Washington, D.C. does not have a mandatory CLE requirement, if you are also licensed in another state with CLE requirements, you can use NBI courses to earn credit for that jurisdiction. Many NBI programs are accredited nationwide and may qualify for credit in multiple states.
Yes. The D.C. Bar offers a wide range of CLE programs, though participation is voluntary. Attorneys are encouraged to take advantage of offerings to stay informed and professionally engaged. And as noted above, courses and hours could help you maintain MCLE or CLE requirements in another state.
NBI offers CLE courses on a wide variety of topics including ethics, family law, litigation, estate planning, technology, real estate, civil rights, and more - helping D.C. attorneys stay current across practice areas.
As of now, Washington, D.C. remains a non-MCLE jurisdiction, and there is no formal proposal to adopt mandatory CLE. Because rules can change, attorneys should monitor updates from the D.C. Bar and other professional organizations.
Even without a D.C. requirement, taking CLE can still be important - especially if you are licensed in other states that do require CLE and need credits to maintain your status there.
Rule 1.1 requires attorneys to provide competent representation. Regularly completing voluntary CLE, attending legal seminars, and staying up to date with developments in the law are key ways to meet this obligation, even in the absence of a formal requirement.
Are you newly admitted to the Washington D.C. Bar? Here’s what you need to know:
Yes. All attorneys admitted after July 1, 1994, must complete the Mandatory District of Columbia Course, covering the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and District of Columbia Practice, within 12 months of admission. This is the only required bar CLE-related course.
No. The District of Columbia does not currently require mandatory CLE for attorneys whether at law firms or solo attorneys. However, Rule 1.1 of the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct encourages lawyers to engage in continuing education to maintain their competence and stay informed on changes in the law.