Washington D.C. UPL Statute Summary

D.C. App. R. 49 – Unauthorized Practice of Law: “(a) General Rule.  Except as otherwise permitted by these rules, no person may engage in the practice of law in the District of Columbia or in any manner hold out as authorized or competent to practice law in the District of Columbia unless enrolled as an active member of the D.C. Bar.

The D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act (DCPPA), D.C. Code §28-3901, et. Seq. provides guidance on UPL available here. The DCPPA prohibits:

  • “Representing that…services have a source, sponsorship, approval, certification…characteristics…uses…benefits…that they do not have.”
  • “Representing that the person has a sponsorship, approval, status, affiliation, certification, or connection that the person does not have.”
  • “Misrepresenting as to a material fact which has a tendency to mislead.”
  • “Failing to state a material fact if such failure tends to mislead.”

The DCPPA also allows for a private right of action. The penalties are greater of treble damages, or $1,500; reasonable attorney’s fees; punitive damages; injunctive relief. It has a 3 year statute of limitations.

Enforcement Mechanisms/Complaint Processes for UPL

Victims may contact the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) here or:

Headquarters
1100 4th Street, SW
Washington DC 20024
Tel: (202) 442-4400 (press 1 then press 6)
Email: dcra@dc.gov

Victims may also contact the Office of the Attorney General using their online complaint form, which can be accessed here or contact them at:

Mail
Office of the Attorney General
Office of Consumer Protection
441 4th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Hotline: (202) 442 9828
Email: consumer.protection@dc.gov

Complaints involving the unauthorized practice of law may also be directed to the Committee on the Unlicensed Practice of Law:

The Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law
430 E St., NW Rm. 123
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: (202)-879-1010
Email: CUPL@dcappeals.gov

Reporting Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Ineffective assistance of counsel can be reported to the D.C. Bar using this form. The form can be submitted online or mail to:

Office of Disciplinary Counsel
Board on Professional Responsibility
District of Columbia Court of Appeals
515 5th Street NW
Building A, Suite 117
Washington DC 20001

Becoming a Notary Public

To become a notary public the following requirements must be fulfilled:

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must be a resident of the District of Columbia, or may be residents of other jurisdictions whose sole place of business or employment is located in the District of Columbia. DC Code § 1-1201, DC.
  • Pay an application fee of $75
  • Applications may be picked up at 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 810 South or downloaded at here.
  • Must attend an orientation session
  • Application must be mailed or delivered in person to:
Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications
441 4th Street NW
Suite 819 South
Washington, DC 20001

For more details on becoming and the responsibilities of a notary public in the District of Columbia, please see the Notary Public Handbook.

There is also a notary search tool available here.