Administrative Suspension for Dues and CLE Noncompliance
Marcus Webb has been an active D.C. Bar member since 2012. In 2023 he moved from D.C. to Texas and changed his email and mailing address but did not update his D.C. Bar record. He did not receive the dues notice; he did not pay his 2024 dues. He also completed only 4 of the required 12 CLE hours, missing the ethics requirement. In March 2024 he continued to represent a client in a D.C. agency hearing and signed a settlement agreement. In April he received a notice that he is administratively suspended. He asks whether the suspension is effective, whether he can finish the client's matter, and what he must do to get back on the active roll.
1. What is Marcus's membership status, and may he continue practicing after receiving the suspension notice?
Read the worked answer
The administrative suspension is effective when imposed under the D.C. Bar's rules, even if Marcus did not receive the dues notice because he failed to update his address. A member has an obligation to keep contact information current; movers do not avoid suspension by becoming unreachable. Once suspended, he may not practice law in D.C. or hold himself out as an active D.C. lawyer. He also should not finish the client's matter unless and until he is reinstated or another authorized lawyer assumes responsibility. The fact that he already appeared in March and signed a settlement agreement does not make continued practice lawful after the suspension. If he practiced after the effective date, he may face unauthorized-practice and disciplinary consequences in addition to the administrative suspension.
2. What ethical obligations does Marcus have to the client and the agency after the suspension?
Read the worked answer
He must promptly notify affected clients of his suspension and inability to continue representation, and he must take reasonable steps to protect their interests. That includes withdrawing from pending matters, giving reasonable notice to the agency or court, returning files and unearned fees, and helping transition the matter to another lawyer if the client wishes. He should not sign further documents or appear in the agency proceeding while suspended. He also should correct any statement that implies he remains authorized to practice. Because he practiced while administratively suspended, he should consider self-reporting to the D.C. Bar and should not conceal the March appearance or settlement. Candor and prompt remediation will matter if disciplinary or reinstatement issues arise.
3. What must Marcus do to be reinstated to active status?
Read the worked answer
He must cure the underlying compliance failures and follow the Bar's reinstatement procedure for administrative suspensions. Typically that means paying all outstanding dues and late fees, completing the required CLE hours including the ethics component, and filing any reinstatement application or affidavit the Bar requires. He should update his contact information immediately and obtain confirmation of his status before resuming practice. If the Bar treats the matter as more than a simple administrative suspension because he practiced while suspended, he may need to respond to a show-cause or disciplinary inquiry. He should keep records of payment, CLE completion, client notifications, and the transition of the agency matter. Only after written confirmation of reinstatement should he resume representing clients in D.C.