Special Assistant to the Chief Judge

U.S. Courts•Washington, DC

About The Position

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit seeks a highly qualified attorney to assist the Chief Judge on essentially all matters related to the Chief Judge’s responsibilities and serve as a confidential advisor. The position begins with Chief Judge Srinivasan on January 19, 2027, and continues with Judge Millett when she assumes the Chief Judge position in February 2027. It is full-time and operates at the intersection of legal advice, judicial administration, policy coordination, strategic planning, and work critical to the smooth functioning of the court of appeals. The role requires legal analysis, exceptional judgment, organizational ability, high-level interpersonal skills, and discretion. The Special Assistant frequently interacts with judges, court unit executives, and court staff. The position provides procedural and substantive legal guidance, advice, administrative support, and assistance to the Chief Judge. It serves as the Chief Judge’s primary liaison for circuit governance, advises on judicial misconduct complaints, supports the Circuit Judicial Council and circuit committees, and coordinates policy and administrative matters across courts within the circuit. The Special Assistant also assists with judicial conferences, drafts reports and official speeches or remarks, coordinates courthouse events, and helps formulate and implement court policy. Appointment is provisional pending the results of a background investigation and security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work for the U.S. government. Federal judiciary employees are excepted-service, at-will appointments that may be terminated with or without cause. The employee is subject to strict confidentiality requirements and must adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the federal government, the ideals of the American republic, the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution.

Requirements

Possess a J.D.
Be a member of the bar of a state or the District of Columbia.
Have at least four years of specialized experience gained after graduating from law school.
Have progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, court or legal administration, or equivalent experience; a proven record as a close, trusted advisor to high-ranking public officials or judicial officers also qualifies as specialized experience.
Have legal research and writing experience.
Demonstrate the ability to research and analyze complex legal and administrative issues in depth.
Communicate complex or sensitive matters clearly, orally and in writing.
Demonstrate excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, successful team collaboration, organizational and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to professional excellence.
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work for the U.S. government.
Pass a background investigation and security clearance.
Adhere to strict confidentiality requirements and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

Nice To Haves

A judicial clerkship or internship, or other experience working in or with the federal judiciary, is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide procedural and substantive legal guidance, advice, administrative support, and assistance to the Chief Judge.
Serve as the Chief Judge’s primary liaison for circuit governance and ensure alignment between circuit-level decisions and national judiciary directives.
Advise the Chief Judge on judicial misconduct complaints under 28 U.S.C. § 351–364.
Interpret policy guidance, coordinate across courts within the circuit, and maintain compliance with evolving administrative requirements.
Support the Circuit Judicial Council and multiple circuit committees, including managing sensitive matters.
Assist the Circuit Executive’s Office with the Circuit’s biennial Judicial Conferences and Judges-Only Conferences.
Assist with formulating and implementing court policy and provide administrative support for the Chief Judge and court matters.
Draft reports required of the Chief Circuit Judge.
Draft speeches and remarks delivered by the Chief Judge in an official capacity.
Coordinate special events at the courthouse.
Serve as the Chief Judge’s confidential advisor.