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District of Columbia Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026

Adopted by the Court of Appeals and published by the D.C. Bar, Model Rules-based but with famous District departures. Rule 5.4(b) has allowed a nonlawyer to hold a financial interest or managerial authority in a law practice since long before Arizona or Utah — provided the organization's sole purpose is providing legal services, the nonlawyers abide by these Rules and perform professional services assisting in their delivery, the lawyers remain responsible for them, and the conditions are in writing. Rule 1.6 protects any client "confidence or secret" rather than the Model Rules' narrower formulation, and 1.6(k) makes the government lawyer's client the employing agency unless law, regulation or order provides otherwise. Each rule is followed by its official Comment.

Browse all 55 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

Scope Rule 1.0 Terminology Rule 1.1 Competence Rule 1.2 Scope of Representation Rule 1.3 Diligence and Zeal Rule 1.4 Communication Rule 1.5 Fees Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Information Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest: General Rule Rule 1.8 Conflict of Interest: Specific Rules Rule 1.9 Conflict of Interest: Former Client Rule 1.10 Imputed Disqualification: General Rule Rule 1.11 Successive Government and Private Employment Rule 1.12 Third-Party Neutrals Rule 1.13 Organization as Client Rule 1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity Rule 1.15 Safekeeping Property Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client Rule 2.1 Advisor Rule 2.3 Evaluation for Use by Third Persons Rule 2.4 Lawyer Serving as Third Party Neutral Rule 3.1 Meritorious Claims and Contentions Rule 3.2 Expediting Litigation Rule 3.3 Candor to Tribunal Rule 3.4 Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel Rule 3.5 Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal Rule 3.6 Trial Publicity Rule 3.7 Lawyer as Witness Rule 3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor Rule 3.9 Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings Rule 4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others Rule 4.2 Communication Between Lawyer and Person Represented by Counsel Rule 4.3 Dealing with Unrepresented Person Rule 4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons Rule 5.1 Responsibilities of Partners, Managers and Supervisory Lawyers Rule 5.2 Subordinate Lawyers Rule 5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants Rule 5.4 Professional Independence of a Lawyer Rule 5.5 Unauthorized Practice Rule 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice Rule 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services Rule 6.1 Pro Bono Public Service Rule 6.2 Accepting Appointments Rule 6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests Rule 6.5 Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services Rule 7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads Rule 8.1 Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters Rule 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct Rule 8.4 Misconduct Rule 8.5 Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law Rule 9.1 Discrimination in Employment