Clarification from the agency

United States Citizens or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residency or authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service to work in the United States.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Reviews daily court calendars to identify and assess cases appropriate for negotiation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Examines pleadings, prior orders, and related case history, and maintains neutrality while ensuring impartial treatment for all parties.
•  Identifies legal and procedural issues, including service of process, jurisdiction, and potential conflicts with existing orders.
•  Meets with litigants and, where applicable, counsel to understand the issues, clarify positions, and identify potential paths to resolution. Uses trauma-informed communication to support safe engagement in sensitive or high-conflict situations and facilitates structured discussions to explore options and work toward voluntary resolution, with a focus on safety.
•  Negotiates matters related to court proceedings, including but not limited to domestic violence cases, stalking, family matters, and other civil case types, using alternative dispute resolution techniques.
•  Applies knowledge of case-specific dynamics, including domestic violence and other high-conflict matters. Employs de-escalation techniques to manage conflict and facilitate safe, productive negotiation sessions.
•  Communicates directly with judicial officers regarding case status, negotiated agreements, unresolved issues, and recommendations. Summarizes case facts, legal considerations, and areas of agreement or dispute.
•  Serves as a liaison among litigants, attorneys, judicial officers, and stakeholders, including legal service providers, advocacy organizations, and law enforcement agencies, to support coordinated case processing and resolution.
•  Documents case activity, negotiation outcomes and agreements in the Court’s case management system and maintains confidentiality of sensitive information while ensuring compliance with ethical standards governing court operations.
•  Conducts legal research on domestic violence, criminal, family, and other relevant areas of law, applying statutes, case law, and court rules to case analysis and recommendations. Stays current on legislative and procedural developments affecting court operations.
•  Manages a high-volume caseload and multiple court calendars in a fast-paced environment, maintaining organization, timeliness, and attention to detail.
•  Develops and delivers training materials on business processes related to case processing and negotiation practices and provides guidance to court staff and stakeholders.
•  Supports case processing and negotiation functions across divisions within the Superior Court, as needed.
• Communicates directly with Spanish-speaking litigants to explain court processes, facilitate negotiations, and prepare or review related court orders and documents. 
• Provides interpretation and culturally competent guidance as needed to ensure effective participation and understanding of proceedings.

Conditions of employment

• DC Court Policy 1060.VI. applies to this position.
• Background and security investigation are required.
• A probationary period of one (1) year must be successfully completed.
• Must speak, interpret, read and write English and Spanish fluently.

To qualify for this position, the following must be submitted:

1. Resume
2. Completed Vacancy Questionnaire
3. Documentation /Proof of Education (e.g. copy of law degree or law school transcript)
4. List of three (3) professional references
5. Proof of D.C. Bar Membership

All required documentation must be received by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION: Graduation from an accredited university or college with a law degree, admission to practice law before the Courts of the District of Columbia plus at least three (3) years of general legal practice with experience in Family Law preferred, and at least one (1) year year of experience conducting negotiations in a legal setting, such as civil, criminal, or family law matters.

Ability to speak, interpret, read and write Spanish and English fluently is required.

Must submit documentation of education (copy of law degree) with your application or your application will not be considered. Must attach active bar identification number at the time your application is submitted. 

DC Court Policy 1060.VI. - Practice of Law: Judges, Magistrate Judges, law clerks, judicial administrative assistants, and non-judicial employees shall not engage in the practice of law while employed by the District of Columbia Courts.  Notwithstanding this prohibition, an employee may act pro se and may, without compensation, give legal advice to and draft or review documents for a member of one’s family.

The incumbent should be an enthusiastic and engaged professional who enjoys working with a diverse group of Court personnel and customers and lives the DC Courts’ values of Accountability, Excellence, Fairness, Integrity, Respect, and Transparency.

Please note that authorization for the release of your adult criminal record revealing any convictions and forfeitures, and any criminal cases currently pending before the courts are required.  If you are selected for the position, a criminal history records check will be conducted.  

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Upon receipt of your complete application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure that you meet the minimum qualification requirements.  Answers submitted in the questionnaire must be supported on your resume.

Your resume must reflect the relevant experience and that you meet the minimum qualifications or your application will not be considered.