🟢 Status: OPEN – Closes Jul 22, 2026 | Washington, DC | Source: USAJOBS.gov
Paralegal Jobs 2026 — U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit | Apply Now
The Office of the Clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is hiring for federal paralegal jobs in Washington, DC. If you have been searching paralegal jobs washington dc, this is a rare opportunity to work directly inside one of the most influential federal appellate courts in the country – the incumbent works closely with the Special Counsel to the Clerk, responding to case inquiries, researching legal questions, reviewing motions, and drafting orders.
This role also serves as a back-up to the Courtroom Deputy, giving the selectee direct exposure to courtroom operations alongside substantive legal research work. If you are exploring how to become a federal paralegal, this announcement accepts candidates with an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree in a related legal field, or a current paralegal certificate – a genuinely accessible entry point into judiciary jobs 2026.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Paralegal |
| Agency | Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit |
| Department | Judicial Branch – U.S. Courts |
| Announcement # | USCA-26-05 |
| Location | 333 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20001 |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Appointment Type | Excepted Service, Judicial Branch |
| Pay Scale & Grade | CL-23 to CL-25 (Court Personnel System) |
| Salary Range | $46,164 – $91,839 per year (paralegal salary federal government varies by experience) |
| Opening Date | Currently accepting applications |
| Closing Date | Jul 22, 2026 – Open Until Filled, Preference to Early Applicants |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens – Open to Public |
| Security Clearance | Not Required |
| Financial Disclosure | May be required depending on final duties |
| Apply Now | Email cover letter and resume as one PDF to VacancyParalegal@cadc.uscourts.gov – include “USCA-26-05” in the subject line |
About the Role
The D.C. Circuit is widely regarded as the second-most influential federal court in the country, regularly deciding cases involving federal agencies, regulatory disputes, and constitutional questions. Working as a paralegal in the Clerk’s Office puts you at the operational center of that work, supporting the court of appeals paralegal jobs function that keeps cases moving accurately and on schedule.
Day to day, the role blends legal research with courtroom-facing responsibility: reviewing motions and filings, drafting orders for attorney and judicial review, responding to inquiries from litigants and counsel, and stepping in as back-up Courtroom Deputy when needed. It is detail-intensive work that rewards precision, discretion, and strong writing – and it offers a level of direct court exposure that is hard to find elsewhere in dc circuit court jobs.
“The incumbent works closely with the Special Counsel to the Clerk and responds to inquiries from parties regarding cases, researches legal questions, reviews motions, and drafts orders.” – U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, Vacancy Announcement USCA-26-05
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Review motions and other case filings for completeness and procedural compliance
- Conduct legal research on questions arising in pending appeals
- Draft and prepare orders for review and issuance by the Clerk’s Office
- Respond to inquiries from parties, attorneys, and pro se litigants regarding case status
- Answer questions related to court policies, practices, and procedures
- Prepare letters, notices, and reports for internal and external distribution
- Proofread and cite-check documents drafted by other Clerk’s Office staff
- Monitor the Special Counsel’s caseload and upcoming filing deadlines
- Serve as back-up to the Courtroom Deputy during proceedings as needed
- Prioritize competing tasks and provide general administrative support to the Special Counsel
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related legal field (paralegal studies, pre-law, criminal justice), OR a current paralegal certificate from an accredited provider |
| Experience (CL-24/25) | At least one year of specialized legal/administrative experience, or one of the qualifying educational credentials above |
| Skills | Strong research, writing, and proofreading ability; familiarity with legal terminology and court procedure |
| Background Check | Required as part of the federal judicial hiring process |
Career Ladder & Salary by Grade
| Grade | Salary Range | Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| CL-23 | ~$46,164 – $60,000/yr | Entry | General administrative/office experience OR qualifying education |
| CL-24 | ~$56,000 – $75,000/yr | Developmental | 1 year specialized legal/administrative experience OR qualifying degree/certificate |
| CL-25 | ~$70,000 – $91,839/yr | Full Performance | 1 year specialized experience OR qualifying degree/certificate, demonstrated proficiency |
💡 Note: Starting salary depends heavily on prior experience and credentials – candidates with a bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate, plus a year of relevant experience, are typically considered for the higher end of this federal paralegal jobs range from the outset.
Other Requirements
- This position is open until filled, with preference given to applications received early
- Interviews begin immediately as qualified applications are received
- Financial suitability review applies as part of the standard judicial branch hiring process
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $46,164 – $91,839/yr depending on grade and experience |
| Paid Time Off | 13–26 days annual leave + 13 sick days/year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays per year |
| Health Insurance | FEHB |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | FERS (pension + Social Security + TSP) |
| TSP (401k) | Up to 5% government matching |
| Work Environment | On-site at the historic E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse complex in Washington, DC |
How to Apply
- Prepare a cover letter addressed to Human Resources, referencing vacancy announcement USCA-26-05.
- Prepare a current resume highlighting any legal, administrative, or court-related experience.
- Combine your cover letter and resume into a single PDF attachment.
- Email the PDF to VacancyParalegal@cadc.uscourts.gov, with “USCA-26-05” in the subject line.
- Watch your email for a response – the court contacts only candidates selected for an interview.
- If contacted, prepare for an interview, as the court begins interviewing qualified candidates immediately upon receipt of applications.
- If selected, complete the standard federal judicial branch background and suitability review before your start date.
⚠️ Important: This is a judicial branch position, so it does not use the standard USAJOBS “Apply Online” button – applications go directly by email as a single PDF attachment. This position is open until filled, with preference given to early applicants, so apply as soon as possible. FederalJobsAlert.us does not process applications.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans’ preference rules for judicial branch positions can differ from executive branch agencies, since Article III courts operate under their own hiring authority. Veterans and transitioning service members with legal, administrative, or court-adjacent experience are still encouraged to apply and should note any relevant military background, including JAG Corps or legal clerk experience, directly in their cover letter and resume for this legal jobs no experience federal friendly opportunity.
About the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit hears appeals from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and reviews decisions from numerous federal administrative agencies, making it one of the most consequential appellate courts in the nation for regulatory and constitutional law. Housed in the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse in downtown Washington, DC, the court’s Clerk’s Office manages the flow of thousands of filings each year, supporting judges, staff attorneys, and the public alike.
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly by email to VacancyParalegal@cadc.uscourts.gov as instructed in the official announcement. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the federal judiciary, or any US government agency.
Sources
- USAJOBS – Paralegal Announcement #866731900 (USCA-26-05)
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit – Official Vacancy Announcement USCA-26-05
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