Managing Clerk - DC

Gibson Dunn•Washington, DC

1d•$150,000 - $165,000

About The Position

Based in Washington, D.C., the Managing Clerk works closely with the Managing Attorney–DC to oversee day-to-day electronic filing and docketing operations, coordinate staff workflow, and develop and implement best practices for the firm’s D.C. office. The position reports to the Managing Attorney–DC. The role coordinates and oversees filing and docketing work, supports and trains staff, and helps maintain procedures and quality standards. It also provides procedural guidance and legal research support to attorneys, handles court filings and docket-related work, monitors rules and deadlines, and ensures accurate, timely communication about critical dates.

Requirements

Five or more years of experience in a Managing Attorney’s Office, Managing Clerk’s Office, docketing department, litigation support, or similar legal operations function at a large law firm.
Strong knowledge of Washington, D.C. federal and state court systems, electronic filing procedures, and applicable court rules.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with attorneys, court personnel, and administrative staff.
Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to shifting demands.
Exceptional attention to detail, follow-through, and commitment to high-quality work.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, professional environment.
Highly organized and self-motivated, with a collaborative approach.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a Managing Attorney’s Office, Managing Clerk’s Office, docketing department, or comparable litigation support function at a large law firm is strongly preferred.
Supervisory or lead experience is a plus.
A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily workflow and distribute filing, docketing, and related assignments among D.C. MAO staff based on deadlines, workload, and experience; monitor progress and follow up to ensure timely completion.
Work with the Managing Attorney–DC to establish priorities, coordinate staffing and coverage, address workload or service issues, and escalate complex procedural questions, deadline risks, and other concerns.
Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and mentoring to D.C. MAO staff on filing and docketing procedures, quality standards, and department systems; assist with onboarding and cross-training.
Assist in developing and maintaining procedures and checklists, identifying recurring errors or workflow gaps, and implementing improvements.
Review court documents served and/or filed through the Managing Attorney’s Office–D.C. for accuracy, form, and procedural compliance.
Conduct legal research on procedural matters and court-rule compliance.
Provide attorneys with procedural guidance regarding motion practice, policies, and procedures in Washington, D.C. state and federal courts and surrounding areas.
Assist with service-of-process matters, including engaging and coordinating with process servers.
Monitor new cases and rule changes and inform attorneys of developments under D.C. state rules, the FRCP, and the FRAP.
Handle electronic case filings through CM/ECF and state court systems, and coordinate hard-copy filings and document retrieval as needed.
Retrieve and analyze information from court-related databases, websites, docketing applications, and calendaring applications, including PACER, Bloomberg Law, CourtAlert, and Westlaw.
Screen and review incoming court documents and correspondence, calculate relevant deadlines, and calendar them using CourtAlert.
Oversee and perform quality-control reviews of staff work, including docket and calendar entries, deadline calculations, and filing submissions; identify discrepancies, coordinate corrections, and reinforce accuracy and procedural-compliance standards.
Ensure attorneys are notified promptly of filing deadlines, court appearances, and other critical dates.
Collect, maintain, and update attorney information, including bar admissions and e-filing credentials.
Assist with department projects and initiatives as needed.