Law Clerk (Superior Court)

at  US District of Columbia Courts

QUALIFICATIONS

At the time of appointment, the applicant must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools or institutions may be used to qualify for District of Columbia Courts employment. If you are using foreign education, you must upload a Certificate of Foreign Education Equivalency with your transcript at the time of application.
Please note that authorization for the release of your adult criminal record revealing any convictions and forfeitures, and any criminal cases currently pending before the courts are required. If you are selected for the position, a criminal history records check will be conducted.
The incumbent should be an enthusiastic and engaged professional who enjoys working with a diverse group of Court personnel and customers and lives the DC Courts’ values of Accountability, Excellence, Fairness, Integrity, Respect, and Transparency.

EDUCATION

To qualify based on education, upload a copy of your college transcript or J.D. law degree. The transcript must show the name of the college or university, your name, list of courses with credit hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking.
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for District of Columbia Courts employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Foreign Education: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must upload a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript at time of application to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

Submit all required documents in a single consolidated PDF file to jobs@dccsystem.gov for consideration.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help

The Law Clerk is expected to perform the duties below:

• Researches issues before the court; writes opinions based on research; participates in the formation of case law; assists judge in courtroom proceedings; manages exhibits submitted into evidence.
• Interacts with chambers staff, court personnel, litigants and the public; assists the judge with settlement conferences and discovery disputes.
• Reviews briefs submitted by the parties; verifies cited legal authority; drafts a variety of legal documents including trial briefs, memorandum and orders.
• Researches and analyzes complex legal issues in civil and criminal appeals.
• Maintains chambers library; makes recommendations regarding the disposition of appeals; drafts concise, well-researched opinions, bench memorandum and other legal documents.
• Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments; keeps abreast of changes in the law; reviews dockets of pending litigation; reviews complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings.

This is a term appointment for one year.