​D.C. Bar Headquarters 
901 4th Street NW

Washington, DC 20001
phone: 202.737.4700


Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Weekday Events (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.)

Nearby Metro Stations
Judiciary Square (Red) - five blocks directly south at 450 F Street
Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green/Yellow/Red) - five blocks southwest at H and 7th Streets
Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street Convention Center (Green/Yellow) - six blocks at 7th and M Streets
Union Station (Red) - six blocks southeast down Massachusetts Avenue

 

EVENTS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Employee Benefits Law 2025 (December 3 & 17, 2025)

Credit(s): 6 General (60-minute hour)
7 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E09122503W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 3, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM

Credits: 6.0 general credit hours
Description: We are pleased to announce the return of this popular two-part program, back by demand after several years. This intensive program offers a comprehensive introduction to the key legal concepts that shape the laws governing pension, welfare, and group health plans.
 
Led by knowledgeable and experienced faculty, the program blends foundational instruction with practical insights, making it an invaluable resource for those new to employee benefits law as well as practitioners seeking a refresher on critical developments. The following are among the topics the panel discusses:
Introduction to ERISA and its core principles
Minimum standards and plan design requirements
Fiduciary responsibility and participant rights
Challenges in plan administration, including divorce orders, military service, discrimination testing, and correcting mistakes
Recent legal developments, such as the SECURE 2.0 Act, CARES Act, and No Surprises Act
Key concepts in ERISA-covered group health plans, including HIPAA, COBRA, and the Affordable Care Act

Whether you are a beginning benefits lawyer, an in-house counsel, or a practitioner in another area of law who needs a practical grounding in employee benefits, this program provides essential tools and up-to-date knowledge to help you navigate this complex and constantly evolving field.
Faculty: Timothy K. Eicher, Slevin & Hart PC; David Weingarten, Slevin & Hart PC
You must register for both sessions
Save $30 by registering by November 24, 2025
Early Bird Fees: $159 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $169 D.C. Bar Members, $179 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $199 Others
Regular Class Fees: $189 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $199 D.C. Bar Members, $209 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $229 Others

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Copyright and Trademark Law Year in Review 2025

(Intellectual Property Law Series – Part One)

Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E16122508W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 4, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
 
Series Description: This two-part series provides a comprehensive update on the most important developments in copyright and trademark law from the past year, equipping practitioners with the insights needed to navigate an evolving intellectual property landscape. Expert faculty review key court decisions, legislative and international changes, agency updates, and emerging trends, offering practical guidance for advising clients in these dynamic fields.
 
Class Description: Stay ahead of the curve in the fast-moving world of intellectual property by joining our distinguished faculty for an in-depth review of the year’s most significant developments in copyright and trademark law. This essential class highlights key court rulings from 2025, recent legislative and international changes, as well as important updates from the Copyright Office and Trademark Office.
 
The panel also shares practical insights into emerging trends and offers strategies to help you effectively counsel clients in these rapidly evolving areas. Whether you focus on intellectual property law or encounter copyright and trademark issues in a broader practice, this class ensures you are prepared with the latest knowledge and tools. You may also be interested in the companion class, Patent Law: A Year in Review 2025.
 
Faculty: Laura Possessky, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Angela G. Shin, District Trademark Group PLLC
Series Fees: $148 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $168 D.C. Bar Members, $188 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $228 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members; $99 D.C. Bar Members; $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys; $129 Others

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When Crossing the Border Threatens Attorney-Client Privilege

Duration: 1 hour
Date: December 5, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

This event will be hosted by the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia.

Price: Free

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Managing Money (12/08/25)

Course Number: MM_031025
Date: December 8, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
A variety of fee agreements will be examined with the focus on the scope of representation, managing the fee, expenses and the earning mechanism established for the advance fee.  In examples established by the fee agreement, an advance fee will be collected and deposited into the firm’s trust account.  As time passes and work is performed, funds will be transferred from the trust account to the firm’s operating or business account as the fee is earned.  Ledger entries will be demonstrated for all transactions.  TrustBooks.com will be used to demonstrate fund management and the creation of client and account ledgers.  

The following client transactions will be explored:
Agreement for Initial Consultation
Advance Flat Fee Representation for Client Charged with A Felony Criminal Offense
Advance Flat Fee Representation for an Immigration Client
Advance Hourly Fee Representation for a Civil Litigation Client
Advance Flat Fee Representation for an Estate Planning Client
A Contingency Fee Representation for an Injury Case
An Availability Representation (Classic Engagement Retainer)

The course manual will be provided to registrants and should be read prior to the session. Once you have registered, please go to the Managing Money course in the "My Events" tab of your DC Bar account and download the digital materials.

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Family Law Case and Statutory Update in the District of Columbia 2025

Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E12122505W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 9, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Description: We are excited to announce the return of this highly requested class, making its first appearance in several years. This informative class brings together a panel of seasoned family law practitioners who provide timely updates on recent developments in both statutory and case law affecting family law practice in the District of Columbia.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or new to family law, this class offers valuable insights to help you stay current and effective in your practice. Our expert speakers – each with extensive experience handling hundreds of cases in the District – guide you through important legal changes and offer practical implications for your clients and cases. The following are among the topics this class covers:
Divorce and legal separation
Alimony and spousal support
Equitable distribution of marital property
Child support guidelines and paternity issues
Legal and physical custody considerations
Attorney fee awards
Domestic violence protections and procedures

Although this class centers on District of Columbia family law, attorneys from neighboring jurisdictions will find the discussion informative and relevant to broader regional practice.
 
Faculty: Kristin Henrikson, Henrikson Law PLLC and Anne Marie Jackson, Feldman Jackson PC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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A Lawyer’s Ethical Duties to Understand Metadata, Digital Evidence in the Cloud, Secure Client Data, and More 2025

Credit(s): 1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
1 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11122506W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: December 10, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 ethics & professionalism credit hour (Note: This class may qualify for technology credit in those jurisdictions having such requirements.)
 
Description: As emerging technologies like generative AI, predictive coding, and machine learning rapidly reshape the legal profession, attorneys face mounting pressure to keep pace. The duty of technological competence is no longer a theoretical obligation – it is a core ethical requirement. Staying current means more than simply being aware of new tools; it requires knowing how to use them responsibly, understanding their risks, and applying them effectively in practice.
 
In this timely class, our experienced presenters unpack the broad scope of Comment 8 to ABA Model Rule of Pro. Conduct 1.1, which underscores an attorney’s duty to remain informed about changes in the law and its practice, particularly the benefits and risks associated with evolving technology. Through practical guidance and real-world examples, this class helps you understand not only what technology you need to know, but how much knowledge is required to fulfill your ethical obligations. The following are among the topics this class covers:
Generative AI and its potential – and limitations – in legal work
Metadata risks and safeguards
Electronically stored information (ESI) and discovery challenges
Social media implications for evidence, communication, and client representation
Cloud storage and confidentiality considerations

Whether you are a litigator, transactional attorney, or in-house counsel, this class gives you the tools to evaluate technology’s impact on your practice and ensure that you meet your ethical duties in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape.
 
Faculty: Grace H. Wynn, HWG LLP
Fees: $39 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $49 D.C. Bar Members, $59 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $79 Others

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Mastering Written Discovery: Strategies, Tactics, and Tools for Civil Litigators

Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18112509W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 11, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM

Category: CLE, Administrative Law and Agency Practice, Bankruptcy and Debtor-Creditor (CLE) ... (show more)

Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Description: Written discovery can make – or break – your case. Knowing what to ask and how to respond to discovery requests is critical to protecting your client’s interests. Missteps in written discovery can lead to serious strategic disadvantages, sanctions, or the exclusion of vital evidence. Join us for this popular class designed to give litigators the tools they need to approach written discovery with confidence and tactical precision. Led by a seasoned faculty expert, this class offers a deep dive into best practices for drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission, with a focus on both D.C. Superior Court and U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia practice.
 
Through real-world examples and practical guidance, learn how to turn written discovery into a powerful litigation tool – from initial strategy through motions practice and trial. The following are among the topics this class covers:
The top ten goals of discovery
Key differences in discovery practice between D.C. Superior Court and District Court for the District of Columbia
Effective timing and sequencing of discovery requests
Techniques for drafting high-impact written discovery
Tactical considerations and discovery strategy
Real-life examples of successful and flawed discovery approaches
Use and preparation of privilege logs
Rule 37 meet and confer obligations
The duty to supplement discovery responses
Motions to compel and related sanctions
Motions for protective orders and to quash

While this class focuses on District of Columbia practice, litigators from other jurisdictions will benefit from the broadly applicable strategies and practical insights shared in this dynamic and informative class.

Faculty: Patrick J. Coyne, Coyne Consulting PLLC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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REMOTE PROGRAM: Part 3 of 7 Wealth Management Series: Year-End Tax Moves for 2025

Course Number: C3426NC06W
Duration: 1 hour 
Date: December 16, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours 

Finish 2025 strong with smart, last-minute moves before December 31. We will cover tax bracket management, Roth IRA conversion windows, capital-gains harvesting versus deferral, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving—including donor-advised funds (DAFs) and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs)—and maximizing contributions to 401(k) retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, and health savings accounts (HSAs). We will also look at required minimum distribution (RMD) pitfalls and items to consider as you prep for potential 2026 rule changes. You will leave this session with a prioritized checklist, key deadlines, and talking points to coordinate with your tax professional.

Pre-registration for this program is required. As always, please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues. D.C. Bar membership is not required to attend. Non-members will need to create a profile to register. 

This remote program will be hosted on the Zoom platform. You will receive access information from D.C. Bar Communities staff the afternoon prior to the program. The Zoom access information should not be shared with other, as registration is required.  

This program is free for Community members.
 
Speakers:
Alp Atabek, Founder and Managing Partner, HUB Investment Partners  
Jason Dahl, Executive Vice President, Senior Wealth Management Advisor, HUB Investment Partners 

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Objection! Objection! Making and Responding to Objections 2025

Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18122510L
Date: December 17, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM 
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Description: Making and responding to objections is one of the most critical skills in any trial or hearing. Yet many litigators underestimate the tactical and strategic importance of objections and risk losing ground in the courtroom as a result. This award-winning class offers a practical, interactive guide to sharpening your objection skills and avoiding common pitfalls.
 
Our distinguished presenter covers a wide range of scenarios, including objections to the form of questions, documents, hearsay, expert testimony, impeachment attempts, and inadequate foundations, as well as objections during opening statements and closing arguments. The class also addresses pretrial objections through motions in limine. To maximize engagement and learning, the presenter employs a lively game-show style quiz format with polling technology, giving attendees the chance to practice making and responding to objections in real time.
 
Faculty: Daria J. Zane, Esq.
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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Tri-State Ethics Confusion: Differences Among the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia Rules 2025

Credit(s): 2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11122511W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: December 18, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 ethics & professionalism credit hours
Description: Join us for this highly regarded and consistently popular class designed specifically for practicing attorneys navigating legal practice across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The class provides a comparative overview of the rules of professional conduct in each jurisdiction, highlighting key differences in core areas such as fees, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, litigation conduct, handling of client funds, third-party communications, advertising, and client solicitation.
 
Our esteemed panel goes beyond the rules themselves and explores the often complex issue of conflict of laws – helping you understand which jurisdiction’s rules may apply in multi-jurisdictional scenarios. You’ll gain insight into how to proactively manage compliance, even when the applicable rules vary from one jurisdiction to another.
 
Through a mix of practical examples and thoughtful hypotheticals, the panel brings ethical challenges to life, illustrating how the rules operate in real-world settings. Whether your practice crosses borders daily or occasionally, this class offers essential guidance and clarity. If you practice in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, this is one session you simply can’t afford to miss.
 
Faculty: Thomas B. Mason, HWG LLP and Daniel Schumack, Schumack + Guggenheim PLLC
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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Basic Training and Beyond (01/05/2026 - Day 1)

How to Start a Law Firm

Course Number: BT_010526
Date: January 5, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Basic Training & Beyond is a two-day program for lawyers and law firm staff interested in starting, managing and growing a law firm in the District of Columbia. It is presented monthly, without charge, for D.C. Bar members and firm staff.

In the day-one session, all the essentials of starting a firm in D.C. are covered.

In the day-two session, growth and management issues are covered including client relations, productivity, technology and marketing.

As a resource, an eManual is provided to those who attend. The program has been presented regularly since 2008 and thousands of members have attended and many have launched successful firms. Many of these members stay in contact with our presenters, Dan Mills and Kaitlin Forster, former small firm lawyers, and these connections inform the content of the sessions.

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The Attorney's Edge: Mastering Time, Tasks, and Triumphs (NEW)

Credit(s): 1.5 General (60-minute hour)
1.5 General (50-minute hour)
0.5 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
0.5 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11012601W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 6, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM 
This class is not eligible for D.C. Bar CLE Passport use.
 
Credits: 2.0 credit hours, including 0.5 ethics & professionalism credit hours (Note: This class may also qualify for well-being credit in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)
Description: Are you drowning in deadlines, overwhelmed by an ever-growing to-do list, and struggling to find balance? Join Dr. Carey Heller for this essential class designed to equip attorneys with the fundamental skills and simple systems needed to take control of their time, maximize productivity, and significantly reduce stress. The class moves beyond theory to focus on the following actionable, practical strategies: 
Understanding the Basics: Grasping the core principles of effective time management, planning, and prioritization tailored for the high-demand legal environment. 
Building Your System: Setting up simple, low-friction systems to effectively track tasks, manage workloads, and create a reliable daily/weekly plan. 
The Flexible Schedule: Learning to strategically allocate time and — critically — incorporate the necessary flexibility to handle unexpected challenges, emergency client needs, and ensure the timely, stress-free meeting of all critical filing deadlines.
Balancing the Scales: Gaining techniques for better navigating work-life balance, integrating personal life tasks into your planning, and optimizing your approach while working remotely. 
Efficiency & Wellness Tools: A brief overview of practical tools and desk setups (including sit/stand desks, walking pads, and more) that can immediately boost efficiency and support long-term physical health. 

By implementing these principles, you can expect to enhance your efficiency, leading to higher-quality work product, improved client satisfaction, greater preparedness for court hearings, the potential for increased income through better billable management, and — most importantly — a substantial reduction in stress and feeling overwhelmed.

Hope C. Todd, Associate Director for Legal Ethics at the D.C. Bar, joins Dr. Heller to discuss how the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct intersect with effective time management and attorney well-being.
 
Faculty: Carey Heller, PsyD, Heller Psychology Group and Hope C. Todd, Associate Director, Legal Ethics, District of Columbia Bar 
 
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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Introduction to Department of Defense Security Clearance Cases 2026

(Security Clearance Series – Part One)

Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E13012602W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 7, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours
Series Description: This popular two-part series delivers comprehensive, practice-ready training for attorneys navigating the highly specialized world of federal security clearance law. Designed for both new and experienced practitioners, this series equips you with procedural fluency, substantive expertise, and strategic insights needed to represent clients effectively before administrative bodies and reviewing courts. Through expert-led instruction and interactive simulations, you will gain the confidence to advocate successfully for federal employees, contractors, and clearance holders confronting clearance denials or revocations.
 
Class Description: This interactive and in-demand class demystifies the complex framework governing personnel security due process. Our distinguished presenter explores the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals system in depth, examining the procedural structure and substantive rules that drive clearance determinations. The class highlights the national security adjudicative guidelines, issued by the Director of National Intelligence in 2017, which remain the cornerstone for evaluating eligibility to access classified information.
 
The class also analyzes the evolving landscape of federal background investigations, including the implications of Executive Order 13764 and its modernization of investigative protocols. We further examine key precedents, such as the Federal Circuit’s decision in Wonders v. Department of the Army, with a focus on how such rulings reshape the standards of transparency and due process. Recent Department of Defense case decisions are unpacked to illustrate how adjudicators apply the rules in practice.
 
What sets this class apart is its experiential component. We will engage in realistic simulations that challenge you to apply procedural rules, adjudicative guidelines, and case law to practical client scenarios. This hands-on approach bridges the gap between legal theory and effective advocacy, ensuring you leave with sharpened skills you can immediately deploy.
 
This class is particularly valuable for attorneys representing military personnel, Department of Defense civilian employees, and contractors navigating security clearance denials or revocations. Those registering may also want to pair this class with How to Represent Your Client Effectively in Security Clearance Cases 2026 for a complete professional development experience.
 
Faculty: Peregrine Russell-Hunter, Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals, United States Department of Defense

Series Fees: $148 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $168 D.C. Bar Members, $188 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $228 Others
Individual Class Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members; $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others
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Now That You’re Writing . . . : Some Crucial Details (NEW)

(The Lawyer’s Voice: Writing for Results Series – Part Two)

Credit(s): 2 General (60-minute hour)
2 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18012603W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 8, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
This class is not eligible for D.C. Bar CLE Passport use.
Credits: 2.0 general credit hours
Series Description: The words “You Write Just Like a Lawyer!” might not be a compliment. Knowing the law is essential – but so is being able to communicate effectively about it. That can be challenging. That can be stressful. Rick Horowitz can help. Rick is founder and Wordsmith in Chief of Prime Prose LLC, leading highly popular – and highly practical – legal-writing workshops coast to coast. A graduate of Brandeis University and NYU School of Law and a former lawyer himself, he's worked with state and local bar associations, government agencies, and a variety of corporations, nonprofits, and law firms.
 
Sign up for one or more of these innovative classes and explore the fundamentals, and the critical details, of creating clear, well-organized, persuasive legal documents. This series leads you through the various stages of the legal-writing and editing process, from preparing to write; to producing clear, well-organized, and persuasive documents; to polishing the final product.
 
Class Description: Once words are on the page or screen, the challenge becomes shaping them into clear, effective writing. The second class in this transformative series explores how to avoid common missteps, organize content for maximum impact, and refine sentences for clarity and brevity. Consider how tone influences the reader’s perception and how even small adjustments can make an enormous difference. By focusing on these essential details, this class helps you strengthen your writing and ensures your readers receive the message you intend to deliver in a form they can use.
 
Those interested in attending this class may also be interested in attending these companion classes: The Writing You Do Before You Start Writing (Or, The Benefits of Thinking First) and You’re Not Done Yet: Dialing Down the Stress of Legal Writing.
 
Faculty: Rick Horowitz, Prime Prose LLC
Series Fees: $249 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $258 D.C. Bar Members, $270 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $288 Others
Individual Class Fees: $93 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $96 D.C. Bar Members, $100 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $106 Others

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Finance for Lawyers 2026 (January 12 & 13, 2026)

Credit(s): 6 General (60-minute hour)
7 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E03012604W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 12 and January 13, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 6.0 general credit hours
Description: Legal issues often involve financial questions – whether in bankruptcy, business transactions, divorce, or personal injury. While attorneys aren’t expected to be accountants, a solid grasp of key financial concepts is essential for effective legal practice. This practical and interactive class gives attorneys a working knowledge of financial and accounting principles – without the need to decode complicated formulas.
 
Our expert presenter demystifies the numbers and equips you with the tools to better analyze, question, and apply financial data in a legal context. The following are among the topics this class addresses:
Reading and understanding financial statements
Core accounting principles
Methodologies
Financial reporting for public, private, and government entities
GAAP and private company accounting
Key financial ratios
Business valuations and present value concepts
The attorney’s role in financial audits
Basics of financial investments
Common financial fraud schemes

You will come away with an intuitive understanding of foundational finance concepts to enhance your ability to advise clients, assess evidence, and navigate financial issues across a wide range of legal matters.
 
Faculty: Joseph Novello, Financial Training Organization
Fees: $189 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $209 D.C. Bar Members, $229 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $269 Others.

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Emerging Issues in the LGBTQ+ Community 2026

Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E05012605W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 14, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours (Note: This class may qualify for diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias credits in those jurisdictions having such a requirement.)
 
Description: Back by popular demand in 2026 after several years away, this timely and dynamic class returns to provide family law practitioners with the most current developments in LGBTQ+ law and practice. This class provides essential updates on same-sex marriage, domestic partnerships, transgender legal issues, evolving standards of parentage, and more – equipping attorneys with the knowledge and sensitivity to effectively serve diverse clients in a rapidly changing legal environment. Our esteemed presenters cover both foundational principles and emerging trends, including the following:
Working with LGBTQ+ clients in 2026
Supreme Court landscape
Comprehensive subject matter updates

This class is a must-attend for family law attorneys as well as practitioners in other fields who work with LGBTQ+ clients or encounter related legal issues. Whether you’re seeking to refresh your knowledge or gain insight into the latest developments, this class offers invaluable guidance and practical strategies for today’s practice.
 
Faculty: Summer Abel, Offit Kurman and Heather S. Koontz, Offit Kurman 
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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Ethics Issues When Dealing with Aging Clients with Diminished Capacity 2026

Credit(s): 2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (60-minute hour)
2 Ethics & Professional Responsibility (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E11012606W
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 15, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Credits: 2.0 ethics & professionalism credit hours
 
Description: After several years, this highly regarded class makes its much-anticipated return in 2026. Designed to provide attorneys with the latest developments, practical guidance, and a refreshed perspective, the class offers a comprehensive look at the legal issues shaping today’s practice.
 
By attending, you will benefit from the insights of experienced and knowledgeable presenters who will cover both foundational principles and recent updates, highlighting the evolving legal landscape and its impact on practitioners and their clients. The class also addresses current case law, statutory changes, and emerging practice challenges, ensuring you walk away with practical strategies you can immediately apply.
 
Through interactive discussion and real-world examples, this class not only delivers substantive knowledge but also equips you with tools to serve your clients effectively in a shifting legal environment. Both returning participants and first-time attendees will find the class invaluable.
 
Faculty: Faculty: Jennifer A. Crumlish, PhD, ABPP; Leah J. Myers, Legal Counsel for the Elderly; and Saul J. Singer, D.C. Bar Senior Legal Ethics Counsel
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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The Impact of DOD's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification on Cybersecurity Compliance, Supply Chain Management, and Government Enforcement

Course Number: C1026NC01W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: January 20, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours

On November 10, 2025, the long-awaited Department of Defense Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification ("CMMC") program can start appearing in new solicitations and contract modifications. To celebrate, our panel will discuss how companies are tackling these new certification obligations. In particular, we will examine the certification's impact on the defense supply chain, including lower-tiered suppliers, and what the certification process will mean for continuing Government enforcement of cybersecurity obligations. In addition, we will discuss best practices for managing controlled unclassified information ("CUI") and addressing prior cybersecurity non-compliances uncovered during this process. Join the D.C. Bar Government Contracts Community for this essential conversation on cybersecurity.

Pre-registration for this program is required. As always, please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues. D.C. Bar membership is not required to attend. Non-members will need to create a profile to register.

This remote program will be hosted on the Zoom platform. You will receive access information from D.C. Bar Communities staff the afternoon prior to the program. The Zoom access information should not be shared with other, as registration is required.  

Sponsored by: D.C. Bar Government Contract Community
Related Communities of Interest: D.C. Bar Administrative Law and Agency Practice Community; D.C. Bar Early Career Lawyers Community;  D.C. Bar Law Student Community
 
Speakers:
Kevin Barnett, Counsel, Baker Hostetler 
Joshua Duval, Partner, Duvy Law LLC 
Sandeep Kathuria, Senior Counsel, Ice Miller 
Kristen Bertch, Associate, Baker Hostetler (Moderator)

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Collection of Debts and Money Judgments in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia 2026

Credit(s): 3 General (60-minute hour)
3.5 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E02012608W
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Date: January 21, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Credits: 3.0 general credit hours         
 
Description: In today’s uncertain economic climate, the ability to effectively collect debts and enforce money judgments is more important than ever. Both businesses and individuals depend on these processes to maintain financial stability. At the same time, debt collection is governed by strict federal and state regulations – rules that extend beyond traditional agencies to attorneys themselves – making it critical for practitioners to stay fully informed and compliant.
 
This engaging class offers a comprehensive overview of debt collection laws and procedures across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Join our panel of seasoned commercial and consumer collection attorneys as they guide you step-by-step through the collection process – from the initial client consultation to final payment resolution. Along the way, they highlight key strategies, common pitfalls, and ethical obligations, ensuring that you are equipped to represent your clients effectively while navigating a highly regulated practice area.
 
Whether you represent creditors, debtors, or clients with interests in collection matters, this class is designed to sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and enhance your ability to deliver effective representation. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from experienced practitioners and strengthen your command of the legal and regulatory framework governing debt collection.
 
Faculty: A. Charles Dean, Gross, Romanick, Dean & DeSimone PC (Moderator); Erik Goodman, Tzedek DC; Deanna M. Hackworth, Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC; and Milt N. Theologou, Silverman Theologou LLP
 
Fees: $89 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $99 D.C. Bar Members, $109 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $129 Others

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N PERSON: D.C. Bar Communities Legal Trivia Night

Course Number: C3426NC13I
Date: January 22, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Credit: 0 CLE Credit Hours

Test your legal knowledge, and pop culture savvy, at the D.C. Bar Communities Legal Trivia Night. Enjoy a fun, competitive evening of networking, team trivia, themed challenges and PRIZES for the winning team. Form a team of up to 6 members (or be paired with one) and battle it out in two 45-minute rounds of legal trivia, including a special bonus round. Food, drinks, and bragging rights included! 

Event Schedule:
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Networking with food and drinks
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Trivia competition (with a short break between rounds)
7:00 PM: Winners announced & prizes awarded

How It Works:
The Quizmaster hosts the game, reading questions while teams write down answers. Points are awarded for correct responses—highest score wins!

Registration Details:
Want to register a team? Complete your individual registration and we'll follow up with additional information. Individuals without a team can still join—we’ll match you with one! 

Questions? Contact communitiesevents@dcbar.org.

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Writing Rules You Should Be Breaking (NEW)

Credit(s): 1 General (60-minute hour)
1 General (50-minute hour)
Course Number: E18012610W
Duration: 1 hour
Date: January 26, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Credits: 1.0 general credit hour
 
Description: Professor Stuart Teicher, “The CLE Performer,” returns to show why some long-standing grammar traditions are more myth than mandate. Attorneys who rigidly follow these outdated rules risk confusing their readers and diluting their message. In this lively program, Prof. Teicher will do the following and more:
- Debunk several so-called “rules” that should be left behind
- Demonstrate how breaking free from them leads to stronger, clearer writing
- Guide you through practical exercises to put these lessons into action
- Join us for an eye-opening class that will make your writing sharper, more effective, and far more understandable.
 
Faculty: Stuart I. Teicher, Georgetown University Law Center
Fees: Fees: $49 D.C. Bar Communities Members, $59 D.C. Bar Members, $69 Government and Nonprofit Attorneys, and $89 Others

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D.C. Bar Schedule of Events