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D.C. Adopts New In-House Counsel Pro Bono Practice Rule

On July 16, the D.C. Court of Appeals adopted a rule, effective September 2014, which allows non-locally licensed in-house counsel to practice pro bono in D.C. The requirements being that such lawyers must be members of good standing with the highest court of another territory or state; not under disciplinary suspension or disbarment; work under the supervision of an active D.C. Bar member; and be assigned or referred by a legal services organization. The Court of Appeals adopted this rule in light of the “increased need for attorneys to serve as pro bono counsel and . . . the importance of access to justice.” The new rule is a great step forward for D.C. and CPBO applauds the Court of Appeals for their steps toward increasing access to justice.