Careers at DC Courts
Join a nationally recognized court system where your work makes a difference. The DC Courts offer rewarding careers in court administration and public service. Our employees help run innovative programs that improve access to justice and serve the people of Washington, D.C.
We invest in our team through training and professional development, and we’re proud to support a skilled, motivated, and diverse workforce committed to excellence.
As a DC Courts employee, you’ll receive generous federal benefits, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Federal retirement plan
- Transportation subsidy
- Employee assistance programs
- Additional wellness and support services
Be part of a mission-driven organization delivering justice in the nation’s capital.
Why Work Here?
Working at the DC Courts means being part of something bigger. Our mission is simple but powerful: “To protect rights and liberties, uphold and interpret the law, and resolve disputes peacefully, fairly and effectively in the District of Columbia.”
We strive to live by this mission every day.
Our employees are proud to serve the public and believe their work makes a real difference. Every day, we aim to build a court system that is:
- Open to All
- Trusted by All
- Providing Justice for All
We honor the traditions of the legal system while also using new ideas to improve how we serve. As part of our team, you’ll be encouraged to grow, learn, and lead with excellence.
How to Apply
- Create an account on https://www.usajobs.gov/
- View current job opportunities for District of Columbia Courts
- Submit your resume and required documents.
- Get a confirmation email when you apply.
We offer jobs in:
- Court operations & administration
- Education & Training
- Human resources
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Finance & Budget
- Language Interpretation & Translation
- Security & Building Services
We also offer opportunities to learn more about the courts through:
- Judicial Clerkships
- Internships
- Volunteering
Benefits at the DC Courts
The DC Courts are an independent agency funded by Congress—not under the DC Mayor or Council. All non-judicial employees receive federal benefits, including:
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Benefits
- Workers’ Compensation
Leave Benefits
Annual Leave (Vacation Time)
- New employees: 4 hours every 2 weeks
- After 3 years: 6 hours every 2 weeks
- After 15 years: 8 hours every 2 weeks
- You can carry over up to 240 hours into the next year
- Most prior federal or DC government service counts toward your leave rate
Sick Leave
- 4 hours every 2 weeks
- Can be used for your own health, to care for family, or for adoption-related needs
- No cap on how much you can save
Other Benefits
- Vision and Dental Plans (optional)
- Transit Subsidy – Up to $150/month for commuting
- 26 Pay Periods per year (biweekly pay)
Want to work somewhere with great benefits and a mission that matters? Join the DC Courts.
Judicial Clerkships at the DC Courts
Judicial clerkships at the District of Columbia Courts offer an unparalleled opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the judicial process while contributing to the administration of justice in the nation’s capital. Law students, recent graduates, and attorneys are invited to apply for term or career clerkships with judges on both the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Clerks play a vital role in supporting judicial decision-making through legal research, writing, and case analysis. A clerkship at the DC Courts provides a strong foundation for a career in litigation, public service, or academia.
For general questions about clerkship opportunities at the DC Courts, please contact: hr [at] dccourts.gov | 202-879-1700
Why Clerk at the DC Courts?
- Serve in one of the most respected urban court systems in the country
- Work alongside experienced and highly regarded jurists
- Gain deep exposure to a wide range of legal issues
- Build a professional network in Washington, D.C.
- Launch your legal career with hands-on courtroom experience
Clerkships at the DC Court of Appeals
The DC Court of Appeals is the highest court for the District of Columbia. Clerkships at the appellate level involve:
- Researching complex legal issues
- Drafting bench memos, opinions, and orders
- Reviewing briefs and records on appeal
- Observing oral arguments
Clerks work closely with judges on a variety of civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional matters. Appellate clerkships typically last one year, though some judges may offer two-year terms or permanent positions.
To Apply: Candidates should apply directly to individual judges by following the instructions listed on each judge’s hiring page. Visit the Court of Appeals Clerkship page for more information.
Clerkships at the DC Superior Court
The DC Superior Court is a busy trial court handling a wide range of civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Clerkship duties may include:
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting orders and opinions
- Preparing memos on motions or trial issues
- Attending hearings and trials
Clerkships in the Superior Court are typically for one year.
To Apply: Applicants may submit materials directly to judges via email or mail. Hiring preferences, timelines, and application instructions vary by judge. Visit the Superior Court Judges page for contact information.
Qualifications
- A J.D. or current enrollment in an ABA-accredited law school
- Strong legal research and writing skills
- Academic achievement and demonstrated interest in public service
Judges may consider prior work experience, law review, moot court, or clinical participation as part of the application review process.
Internship Opportunities at DC Courts
Are you a student interested in law, public administration, criminal justice, or social services? The District of Columbia Courts offer a unique internship experience that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s busiest courthouse systems.
What You’ll Gain
As a DC Courts intern, you’ll be placed in a division that matches your interests. Whether you’re looking to explore legal proceedings, social work, case management, or public policy, you’ll gain hands-on experience while working alongside court professionals.
You will:
- Learn how the court system works
- Build your professional skills
- Make connections in your field of interest
- Contribute meaningfully to the work of the Courts
Placement Areas
Internship opportunities are available across many court divisions. Each division may offer different types of assignments based on current needs. Visit individual division pages to learn more about available opportunities and areas of focus.
Graduate and Undergraduate Internships
College and graduate students are placed in operational or support divisions based on their interests. Interns help with day-to-day tasks and observe court proceedings. Specific duties depend on the division and the student’s experience.
Check individual division pages for details.
Judicial Internships (Law Students Only)
Law students can apply for internships with individual judges. Judicial interns may help with:
- Legal research and writing
- Reviewing motions
- Some administrative tasks
Apply directly to the judge you are interested in working with.
High School Internships – Passport to Work Program
The DC Courts participate in the Passport to Work Youth Employment Program, which gives high school students in DC paid work experience. Students also attend seminars on workplace skills like time management and communication.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds. The D.C. Courts are committed to a fair, inclusive, and accessible workplace for all.