49(c) of the D.C. Court of Appeals Rules provides special rules that exempt attorneys from the unauthorized practice of law in the District of Columbia. Attorneys cannot hold themselves out as authorized or competent to practice law in D.C. There is no registration requirement. The following types of attorneys and practices qualify:
Practice Before a Court of the United States
Attorneys providing legal services in, or reasonably related to, a pending or potential proceeding in any court of the United States if the person has been or reasonably expects to be admitted to practice in that court. If the practitioner has an office in D.C., the practitioner expressly gives prominent notice in all business documents of the practitioner’s bar status and that his or her practice is limited and consistent with Rule 49(c).
D.C. Incidental and Temporary Practice
Attorneys providing legal services in D.C. on an incidental and temporary basis qualify.
Attorneys must:
- Be authorized to practice law in another state, territory, or foreign country.
- Cannot be disbarred or suspended for disciplinary reasons and did not resign with charges pending in any jurisdiction or court.
Limited Duration of Practice Upon Supervision by a D.C. Bar Member
Attorneys practicing law from a principal office located in D.C. may be eligible to practice for a period of 360 days during the pendency of the attorney’s first application for admission to the D.C. Bar. Attorneys must be:
- Active members in good standing of another state or territory.
- Cannot be disbarred or suspended for disciplinary reasons or after resignation with charges pending in any jurisdiction or court.
- Must practice under the direct supervision of an enrolled, active member of the D.C. Bar.