Overview
The Court of Appeals was established by the United States Congress as the highest court for the District of Columbia in 1970. This means that judges review cases from the Superior Court and DC Agencies to ensure the law was applied correctly. They also hear Bar Discipline cases and oversee the Bar Disciplinary process. The court has nine judges: one Chief Judge and eight Associate Judges. The court is assisted by a number of senior judges. The judges hire law graduates as clerks and some judges also hire law student interns. More information about clerking or interning can be found here.
Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby
The Honorable Anna Blackburne-Rigsby was sworn in as Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals on March 17, 2017. As Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby chairs the Joint Committee on Judicial Administration for the District of Columbia.
All Court of Appeals Judges
Chief Judge
An Associate Judge who is chosen by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) to act as the Judicial Administrator for the D.C. Court of Appeals. The Chief Judge also serves as the Chair of the Joint Committee that oversees the administration of both the D.C. Court of Appeals and the Superior Court. The Chief Judge is appointed to a four-year term and can apply to be reappointed.
Associate Judges
An active judge who was selected by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), nominated by the President of the United States, and confirmed by the United States Senate. They serve 15-year terms and can be reappointed. Associate judges can serve until they 74 years old, at which time they can apply to become Senior Judges or retire.
Senior Judges
Senior judges are retired judges who have been recommended and approved to continue to help with cases as needed. They must receive recommendations from the District of Columbia Commission on Judicial Disability and Tenure and the Chief Judge. They serve 4-year terms if under 74 years old and 2-year terms if over 74 years old. They can be reappointed.
Clerking or Interning at the Court of Appeals
Working as a law clerk or intern at the District of Columbia Court of Appeals is a valuable opportunity to learn about the legal system and gain hands-on experience.
Law clerks are law school graduates who help with legal research, review case records, and draft opinions. Most clerkships last for one year.
Interns are law students who may do legal research, write memos, and learn about how the court works. Internships can be full-time or part-time.