District of Columbia legal education

Law schools, bar exam resources, CLE, and legal education in District of Columbia.

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District of Columbia

Law Schools

ABA-accredited JD programs in the District of Columbia

Georgetown University Law Center

Washington, District of Columbia — The largest law school in the U.S. by enrollment. Located on Capitol Hill with unmatched access to government, policy, and international institutions.

George Washington University Law School

Washington, District of Columbia — Top-ranked law school in Foggy Bottom with nationally recognized programs in government procurement, IP, and international law.

American University Washington College of Law

Washington, District of Columbia — Founded in 1896 as the first law school established by and for women. Strong programs in international law, human rights, and clinical education.

Howard University School of Law

Washington, District of Columbia — One of the oldest HBCU law schools in the nation. Produced Thurgood Marshall and many other civil rights attorneys.

Catholic University Columbus School of Law

Washington, District of Columbia — The law school of The Catholic University of America — the only Catholic law school in Washington, D.C. Strong programs in securities and law and religion.

University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law

Washington, District of Columbia — D.C.'s only public law school with a focus on community-oriented lawyering and clinical education. Most affordable law school in the nation's capital.

District of Columbia

Paralegal Programs

Accredited paralegal education and certificate programs

ABA-Approved

Georgetown University — Paralegal Studies Certificate

Washington, District of Columbia — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved paralegal studies certificate through the School of Continuing Studies. Evening and online options.

District of Columbia

Court Reporter & Captioning Programs

Stenography, digital reporting, and real-time captioning training

National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)

National professional association headquartered in Reston, VA — certification programs, education, advocacy, and career resources for court reporters nationwide.

District of Columbia

Mediator & ADR Certification

Alternative dispute resolution training and qualified neutral roster

D.C. Superior Court — Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division

D.C.'s court-connected ADR program offering mediation, arbitration, and case evaluation services in civil, family, and landlord-tenant disputes.

District of Columbia

Legal Nurse Consulting

Certification programs for RNs providing litigation support

American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC)

National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the gold standard credential for legal nurse consultants.

District of Columbia

Notary Public Certification

How to become a notary public in the District of Columbia

D.C. Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications

Official guide. Requirements: 18+, D.C. resident or D.C. place of employment, pass exam, obtain $2,000 bond. Five-year term.

District of Columbia

Bar Admission & Exam

Pathways to becoming a licensed attorney in the District of Columbia

D.C. Court of Appeals — Committee on Admissions

D.C. administers the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) with a minimum passing score of 266. D.C. uniquely allows admission without bar passage for certain qualifying attorneys.

District of Columbia

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

Requirements for licensed District of Columbia attorneys

D.C. Bar — MCLE Requirements

D.C. requires 12 CLE hours per year, including 2 ethics hours and 1 hour on access to justice. Five-year compliance period with 60 total hours.

D.C. Bar — CLE Programs

D.C. Bar-sponsored CLE programs, including free and low-cost options for members.

District of Columbia

Legal Secretary & Legal Assistant Programs

Certificate and degree programs for legal support professionals

ABA-Approved

Georgetown University — Paralegal Studies Certificate

Washington, District of Columbia — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved program also preparing students for legal secretary and legal assistant roles in government and private sector.

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