District of Columbia Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP)

The District of Columbia addresses unauthorized and limited authorized practice primarily through D.C. Court of Appeals Rule 49, rather than a standalone ABA-style Rule 5.5 package. See the MJP hub for general background.

Rule 49(a) generally prohibits practicing law in the District or holding out as authorized unless the person is a D.C. Bar member or the conduct falls within a Rule 49(c) exception.

Key Rule 49(c) exceptions

• In-house counsel — Rule 49(c)(6)
• Pro hac vice and related tribunal practice — Rule 49(c)(7) and court procedures (see D.C. Pro Hac Vice)
• Other enumerated exceptions (temporary practice, government lawyers, pending applicants, pro bono, and others) — confirm current subsections in the official Rule 49 PDF

Confirm current Rule 49 text and commentary before relying on a particular exception.