D.C. R. Prof. Conduct 6.5 addresses the application of conflict-of-interest
rules to lawyers who are acting under the auspices of a program sponsored by a court
or non-profit organization and who are providing “short-term limited legal services
to client without expectation by either the client or the lawyer that the lawyer will
provide continuing representation in the matter.” Comment [1] to Rule 6.5 states
that, “For the purposes of this rule, short-term limited legal services normally do not
include appearing for a tribunal on behalf of a client.”
Representatives of various pro bono service providers have indicated that
comment [1] in its current form has presented an obstacle to the provision of certain
forms of pro bono representation. The court is therefore considering whether to
amend comment [1] to state that, “For the purposes of this rule, short-term limited
legal services normally do not include appearing for a tribunal on behalf of a client
on more than a single date.”
This notice is published to afford interested parties an opportunity to submit
written comments concerning the amendment under consideration. Comments must
be submitted by March 16, 2020. Comments may be submitted electronically to
rules@dcappeals.gov, or in writing, addressed to the Clerk, D.C. Court of Appeals,
430 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. All comments submitted pursuant to
this notice will be available to the public.