New Members

In accordance with Section 3.01A(1) of the D.C. Bar Bylaws, "Persons who are sworn into the Bar between July 1 and December 31 shall pay the full amount of the annual license fee. Persons who are sworn in between January 1 and April 30 shall pay one-half the annual license fee." As such, your initial license fee invoice will be billed upon registration based on your original oath/swear-in date for the current fiscal year.

Initial license fees are payable upon receipt of notice and no more than 60 days after to avoid the assessment of late fees. Newly admitted members who fail to submit payment of their initial license fee within 90 days of the invoice will be administratively suspended.

For additional information on the classes of membership available to you and current license fee amounts please click here.

Make your membership work for you! The D.C. Bar offers thousands of dollars in savings through our affinity partnerships. As a valued member of the Bar, you have access to exclusive discounts on legal research tools, health insurance, cloud-based law practice management software, wellness, and much more!

The D.C. Bar offers free access to Fastcase for Active and Judicial members. This unique benefit offers D.C.-specific content exclusive to D.C. Bar members in addition to the premium nationwide online legal research database of case law, regulations, and statutes (a $995 value).

Need a quiet place to work, or just want to escape the office for the day? All members can reserve a free private office or cubicle in the Member Connection Suite for up to 24 hours per month, with access to Wi-Fi, printing, and refreshments.

In July 2019, the D.C. Bar became the first mandatory bar to offer online order and fulfillment of Certificates of Good Standing. Log into your member account to order and receive your certificate via email today!

Legal Ethics delivers confidential consultative services on ethical issues related to the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Lawyer Assistance Program provides confidential services for those experiencing problems such as substance abuse, anxiety, stress, and depression.

Our Attorney/Client Arbitration Board offers an arbitration service for D.C. Bar members and their clients to resolve disputes about legal fees.

The Practice Management Advisory Service helps members optimize their legal practice with one-on-one consultations, free seminars, and content that guides them throughout their careers.

The D.C. Bar's award-winning CLE courses are available on-site, online, and on-demand. Courses satisfy MCLE requirements in all states with mandatory continuing legal education requirements.

A print and digital subscription of Washington Lawyer magazine provides you with thought-provoking content and tools for your practice. The D.C. Bar also delivers the information you need through a variety of digital communications including Bar Bulletin, a biweekly e-newsletter of Bar news and updates, and Legal Brief, a daily curated email of national and international legal news. You can also connect with us via LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Engage with local attorneys and judges at hundreds of Bar events each year. By joining a Community in your area of the law, you also get access to substantive content programs and receptions for practitioners and judicial officers.

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center provides members with meaningful volunteer opportunities to serve the community, as well as the support and mentoring to be successful. The Pro Bono Center touches the lives of more than 20,000 D.C. residents each year, including low-income individuals, community-based nonprofit organizations, and small businesses.

Enhance leadership skills, teamwork, and professionalism by joining three or more of our 20 Communities in specific areas of legal practice (such as litigation, intellectual property, and government contracts), by applying to get involved with a standing committee of the Bar, or by applying to participate in the John Payton Leadership Academy.