Learn more about several important legal organizations in Washington, D.C. These organizations support attorneys by providing access to quality continuing legal education (CLE) seminars, publications and networking opportunities.Â
In 1972, the The District of Columbia Bar was created by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the benefit of attorneys practicing in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Today the the District of Columbia Bar is the second largest unified bar association in the United States.
The mission of the organization is to improve the legal system and enhance access to justice. The organization also fosters high ideals of integrity, learning, competence in public service, and high standards of conduct. The core functions of the D.C. Bar include administrative functions such as the registration of lawyers, the operation of a lawyer disciplinary system, and the maintenance of a Clients’ Security Fund.
The voluntary bar for Washington D.C. is the Bar Association of the District of Columbia. Founded in 1871, the Bar Association of the District of Columbia is the third oldest bar association in the United State and seeks to promote civility, justice, and collegiality amongst legal professionals. Members of the BADC volunteer their time and talents to advance the community's access to legal services.
The District of Columbia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (DCACDL) is a non-profit organization created by and for criminal defense lawyers. The organization promotes improvements within the criminal justice system and the protection of individual rights.
The organization serves the needs of the criminal defense bar practicing in the Washington, D.C. area. Members of the organization include both public defenders and private attorneys practicing in state and federal courts. These attorneys defend individuals against a wide range of criminal offenses.
The Trial Lawyers of Washington, D.C. (TLA-DC) was formed in 1955. The organization includes many of the top trial lawyers practicing in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. The organization promotes individual rights within the civil and criminal justice system. The charitable arm of the organization is known as the D.C. Trial Lawyers Foundation.
The Bar Association of the District of Columbia (BADC) sponsors a Lawyer Referral Service (LRS). The BADC sponsors the only Lawyer Referral Service in the District of Columbia. The BADC Lawyer Referral Service helps individuals and businesses find a qualified attorney throughout the greater Washington D.C. area.
Call (202) 296-7845 to use the Lawyer Referral Service in Washington, D.C. The Lawyer Referral Service has also established an "experience panel" for patent law attorneys in Washington, D.C. Attorneys that serve on the patent law panel must meet certain eligibility requirements including being in good standing before the U.S. Patent Office and having completed certain task requirements.
This article was last updated on Thursday, February 18, 2016.