On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals disbarred attorney Nicole E. Wilt from practicing law in the jurisdiction due to multiple ethical violations, including reckless misappropriation of client funds and failure to competently represent clients. The decision followed a report from the Board on Professional Responsibility, which recommended disbarment after Wilt failed to respond to disciplinary proceedings.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Nicole E. Wilt,” with case no. 25-BG-0286.
The case stemmed from complaints regarding Wilt’s handling of client funds and her representation in two separate legal matters in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. According to the Board’s findings, Wilt mismanaged her Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA), using client funds for personal and business expenses.
On multiple occasions in 2020, Wilt’s trust account balance fell below the amount she was required to hold for clients, including overdrafts reported by PNC Bank to Disciplinary Counsel.
The Board found Wilt violated multiple D.C. Bar rules, including Rules 1.1(a) and (b) for failing to provide competent representation, Rules 1.3(a) and (c) for lack of diligence and promptness, Rules 1.4(a) and (b) for inadequate client communication, Rules 1.15(a) and (e) for reckless misappropriation and poor recordkeeping, Rule 1.16(d) for failing to refund unearned fees, and Rules 8.1(b) and 8.4(d) for not cooperating with Disciplinary Counsel and interfering with justice.
Despite initial cooperation, Wilt ceased responding after charges were filed in November 2023 and did not participate in a March 2024 hearing.
The court ordered Wilt’s disbarment, with reinstatement conditioned on paying restitution. Wilt must also comply with D.C. Bar Rule XI, Section 14, requirements for reinstatement eligibility.
The Disposition states:
“It is ORDERED that respondent Nicole E. Wilt is hereby disbarred from the practice of law in this jurisdiction with reinstatement conditioned on payment of restitution in the amounts recommended by the Board in its report. Respondent’s attention is directed to the requirements of D.C. Bar R. XI, 14 and their effect on eligibility for reinstatement.”
According to Avvo.com, Ms. Wilt was an attorney in Washington, DC. She acquired her law license in the District of Columbia in 2007.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
