The District of Columbia Bar ethics committee issues formal, unsigned opinions that interpret rules of professional conduct and provide ethics guidance for lawyers licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, and the committee is composed of 15 members (11 active members of the bar and four nonlawyers) appointed by the bar group's board of governors.
high
institutional
Describes the role and composition of the D.C. Bar ethics committee as a standing body that issues advisory opinions.
Opinions issued by the District of Columbia Bar ethics committee are not legally binding but are considered authoritative and are often cited in disciplinary proceedings brought by the office that prosecutes legal ethics violations, which is overseen by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
high
institutional
Explains the practical legal influence of the committee's advisory opinions despite their nonbinding status.