Paralegal

U.S. Courts

Washington, DC

JobSummary

The Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, is seeking a well-organized, detail-oriented, and reliable individual to serve as a Paralegal. The incumbent works closely with the Special Counsel to the Clerk and responds to inquiries from parties regarding cases, researches legal questions, reviews motions, and drafts orders. The incumbent serves as a back-up to the Courtroom Deputy.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit

OrganizationCodes

JL/JL02

Relocation

False

HiringPath

public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

TravelCode

MajorDuties

Reviews motions and other filings, conducts legal research, answers questions related to court policies and practices, prepares memoranda, drafts and issues orders, and assists the Special Counsel in presenting motions and petitions to panels of judges for disposition. Prepares letters, notices, and reports; proofreads and cite-checks documents drafted by others. Responds to inquiries from pro se litigants, attorneys, and others regarding cases. Monitors the Special Counsel's caseload and upcoming deadlines, prioritizes tasks, and provides other administrative support to the Special Counsel. Maintains, updates, and tracks paper and electronic files; scans documents. Maintains the list of attorneys who have volunteered to be appointed as amici curiae or pro bono counsel and the list of current and past appointments. Reviews requests for compensation submitted by attorneys providing criminal defense representation under the Criminal Justice Act. Serves as a back-up to the Courtroom Deputy, performing the full range of courtroom duties. Serves as a back-up to the Attorney Admissions Clerk. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

At a minimum, candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent; however, a bachelor's degree is preferred.

Requirements

The successful applicant must be able to work with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of productivity. Good judgment, the ability to apply concepts to determine what action needs to be taken, strong oral and written communication skills, and careful proofreading skills are essential. The responsibilities for this position require the employee to be on-site daily. Because the D.C. Circuit entertains a large number of high-profile and sealed cases, employees are subject to strict confidentiality requirements. In addition, your continued employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background records check. The successful applicant must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States. The successful applicant will be subject to mandatory electronic transfer of funds for payment of net pay.

Evaluations

Applicants will be evaluated based on their application and an interview.

HowToApply

Email a cover letter and resume, as a single PDF attachment (Attention: Human Resources) to VacancyParalegal@cadc.uscourts.gov. Please include the vacancy announcement number (USCA-26-05) in the subject line. This position is open until filled with preference given to applications received by May 22, 2026.

WhatToExpectNext

Interviews will begin immediately. The court will send a letter regarding the status of an application only to those candidates scheduled for interviews. When the position is filled, a notice will be placed on the court's internet site.

RequiredDocuments

Cover Letter Resume See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

Benefits

To learn about the Judiciary's benefits, go to https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

OtherInformation

This position is an excepted appointment and is "at will." The first year of employment is considered a probationary period. The United States Courthouse is a smoke-free building. The United States Court of Appeals is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

VacancyParalegal@cadc.uscourts.gov

SecurityClearance

Not Required

DrugTestRequired

False