Who We Are: Purpose and Mission
The District of Columbia Bar, created by the D.C. Court of Appeals in 1972, is among the largest unified bars in the United States. The precipitating force for the D.C. Bar’s creation was the legal community’s desire to have a single organization that could uphold the ethical standards and rules of professional conduct.
Our Mission
- Aid the courts in carrying on and improving the administration of justice.
- Promote access to justice and enhance the delivery of legal services to those in need.
- Foster and maintain high ideals of integrity, learning, competence in public service, and high standards of conduct.
- Safeguard the professional interests of the members of the Bar.
- Encourage and support the activities of voluntary bar associations.
- Provide a forum for and publish information about the practice of law, the science of jurisprudence and law reform, and the relationship of the Bar to the public.
- Carry on a continuing program of legal research and education.
Our Core Purpose
To enhance access to justice, improve the legal system, and empower lawyers to achieve excellence.
Our Core Organizational Values
- Outstanding service
- Absolute integrity
- Visionary leadership
- Inclusion
Our Goal Areas
- Access to Justice: D.C. Bar maintains leadership in developing and implementing innovative programs and strategies to enhance the delivery of legal services.
- Positioning of the D.C. Bar: D.C. Bar is known for its national and distinguished membership, depth and breadth of its offerings, and commitment to public service.
- Professional Integrity and Conduct: The D.C. Bar offers programs and services that enhance professional integrity and conduct.
- Technological Engagement and Communications: The D.C. Bar and its members regularly engage through multiple channels, and members are actively communicating with one another through Bar-facilitated technology tools.
- Educational Programs and Resources: The D.C. Bar provides high-quality educational programs and resources online and on-demand.
- D.C. Bar Communities: The D.C. Bar’s Communities are recognized as an integral part of the Bar, providing substantial value to members through professional development and career enhancement activities, and are viewed as a national model of excellence.
- Financial Stability: The D.C. Bar has the ability to fund new initiatives articulated in the strategic plan.
D.C. Bar Strategic Plan
On June 9, 2020, the Board of Governors approved the strategic plan that will serve as the foundation for the Bar’s vision over the next five years.
The plan’s six priorities focus on the Bar’s vision of leading within the legal profession, empowering individuals, enhancing member value, providing public service and professional excellence, fostering community and connections, and encouraging organizational and operational excellence.
