Legal Education in District of Columbia

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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