Office of Disciplinary Counsel

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**UPDATE:  FEBRUARY 8, 2024**

Operating Status

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel is a hybrid workplace that remains closed to the general public.   Please note the following:

  • Staff will continue to respond to inquiries by phone and e-mail.
  • Outgoing mail is sent by email when an email address is provided, and by USPS when an email address is not provided.
  • See information on How to File a Complaint.

Certificates Concerning Discipline

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel offers online ordering of Certificates Concerning Discipline. The production of printed certificates remains suspended. Please note that there is a difference between the Certificate Concerning Discipline provided by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the Certificate of Good Standing provided by the D.C. Bar. Please click here for information on how to request a Certificate of Good Standing. Please order the correct certificate, as refunds will not be issued once orders are fulfilled. The electronic delivery of a certificate is processed upon receipt of the Certificate Request Form and payment. Most certificates are processed within two (2) business days. We do not offer same-day processing.

If you must pay for a certificate by check or money order, please complete the Certificate Request Form and return it with your payment of $25 payable to "DC Bar," to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel at the address below.  Please complete the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays, and please allow additional time to process your mail-in request.

Office of Disciplinary Counsel
515 Fifth Street, N.W.
Building A, Room 117
Washington, DC 20001

For questions about Certificates Concerning Discipline, please email [email protected].

Purpose and Mission

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (formerly known as the Office of Bar Counsel) was created in 1972 as a result of the Court Reorganization Act, which established the D.C. Court of Appeals.

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Certificate Concerning Discipline

Procedures for obtaining a Certificate Concerning Discipline.

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Filing a Complaint

Resources and information for filing a complaint against an attorney.

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Informal Admonitions

Search for Informal Admonitions issued.

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Office of Disciplinary Counsel Staff

Staff information for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

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Disciplinary Counsel's Column in Washington Lawyer

A list of columns the Office of Disciplinary Counsel periodically contributes to Washington Lawyer, the official magazine of the D.C. Bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions for the Public

What is the Office of Disciplinary Counsel?

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) was created by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to investigate and prosecute complaints of ethical misconduct against lawyers licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia who violate the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).

The Rules describe a lawyer’s obligation to clients, the courts, and the general public in professional and private dealings. The purpose of this process is to protect the public by disciplining lawyers who violate the ethics rules. Our office cannot consider complaints against judges acting in a judicial capacity.

For additional information, see Purpose and Mission.
 

Can you represent me in court or give me legal advice?

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel cannot represent you, give you any legal advice, or change the outcome of a court decision.

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel cannot refer you to an attorney. You may consult the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center to obtain information about legal representation by calling their Legal Information Help Line at 202-626-3499.

Free Legal Help 

Contact the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center if you are an individual living in poverty who is at risk of losing your home, your livelihood, or your family. The Center also helps small businesses and community-based nonprofits needing legal assistance.

I am having problems with my attorney. What should I do?

Try to resolve issues with your attorney by communicating your concerns clearly and asking for a response.  Your attorney should clearly explain the fee agreement and scope of representation, keep you aware of developments in your case, and respond to any reasonable requests you may have for information.


If you feel that your problem is the result of poor communication or a misunderstanding between you and the attorney, you should have an open talk with the attorney before you file a complaint.
 

Can you help me contact my attorney?

The D.C. Bar’s Find a Member feature provides the same publicly available contact information for attorneys that we would be able to share with you.  If you are still unable to reach your attorney, you may need to file a complaint with our office.

Is my attorney licensed in the District of Columbia?

The D.C. Bar’s Find a Member feature enables a search of all attorneys licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia.  If an attorney is not listed as authorized to practice law and is advising you about D.C. law or representing you in Superior Court, please contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

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