The Honorable Anthony C. Epstein

Anthony C. Epstein became an associate judge in August 2008 and a senior judge in February 2025. He served in the Civil Division in 2012-2013 and 2018-2022, including as the Presiding Judge in 2021-2022 and as the Deputy Presiding Judge in 2019-2020. He also served in the Criminal Division in 2008-2011, 2017, and 2023-2024, and in the Family Court in 2014-2016.

Judge Epstein was a member of the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct for the District of Columbia Courts from 2010-2024. He also served on the Committee on Superior Court Rules, the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules, the Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules, the Advisory Committee on Domestic Relations Rules, the Committee on Jury Instructions, and the Judicial Education Committee.

Judge Epstein received his undergraduate degree from Yale College in 1974 and his law degree from Yale Law School in 1977. After graduation from law school, Judge Epstein clerked for Charles B. Renfrew, United States District Judge for the Northern District of California. He then came to Washington and served in the U.S. Department of Justice from 1978-1981.

Judge Epstein entered private practice in 1981 and represented a wide range of clients in a wide range of civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts around the country and before federal agencies. From 1999 until his appointment to the bench, Judge Epstein was a partner with the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP. Judge Epstein practiced with Jenner & Block LLP from 1983-1999 and Leva, Hawes, Symington, Martin & Oppenheimer from 1981-1983. Throughout his career, he made a substantial commitment to pro bono work, including serving as a volunteer in the Family Court’s Self-Help Center.

Judge Epstein served on the D.C. Court of Appeals’ Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law from 1998 to 2008, including the last eight years as chair. He was involved in a variety of D.C. Bar activities, including serving as Vice Chair of the D.C. Bar Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee when it recommended a comprehensive revision of the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct.