Rules of Professional Conduct
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Rule 1Client-Lawyer Relationship
- 1.0 Terminology
- 1.1 Competence
- 1.2 Scope of Representation
- 1.3 Diligence and Zeal
- 1.4 Communication
- 1.5 Fees
- 1.6 Confidentiality of Information
- 1.7 Conflict of Interest: General Rule
- 1.8 Conflict of Interest: Specific Rules
- 1.9 Conflict of Interest: Former Client
- 1.10 Imputed Disqualification: General Rule
- 1.11 Successive Government and Private Employment
- 1.12 Third-Party Neutrals
- 1.13 Organization as Client
- 1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity
- 1.15 Safekeeping Property
- 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation
- 1.17 Sale of Law Practice
- 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client
Rule 2Counselor
Rule 3Advocate
- 3.1 Meritorious Claims and Contentions
- 3.2 Expediting Litigation
- 3.3 Candor to Tribunal
- 3.4 Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
- 3.5 Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
- 3.6 Trial Publicity
- 3.7 Lawyer as Witness
- 3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
- 3.9 Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings
Rule 4Transactions With Persons Other Than Clients
Rule 5Law Firms and Associations
- 5.1 Responsibilities of Partners, Managers and Supervisory Lawyers
- 5.2 Subordinate Lawyers
- 5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
- 5.4 Professional Independence of a Lawyer
- 5.5 Unauthorized Practice
- 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice
- 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services
Rule 6Public Service
Rule 7Information About Legal Services
- 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services
- 7.2 Not contained in District of Columbia Rules
- 7.3 Not contained in District of Columbia Rules
- 7.4 Not contained in District of Columbia Rules
- 7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads
Rule 8Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession
- 8.1 Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
- 8.2 Not contained in District of Columbia Rules
- 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct
- 8.4 Misconduct
- 8.5 Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law
Rule 9Nondiscrimination by Members of the Bar
Print Version (PDF format – Currently being revised to reflect revisions effective April 7, 2025.)
