Summary This position is located in the Domestic Violence Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The mission of the Superior Court's Domestic Violence Division is to resolve domestic violence disputes, protect domestic violence victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. The Attorney Negotiator evaluates cases and negotiates resolutions on civil protection order, anti-stalking order, custody, support, and property issues using dispute-resolution techniques and skills. Responsibilities 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. Requirements 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. To qualify for this position, the following must be submitted: Resume Completed Vacancy Questionnaire Documentation /Proof of Education (e.g. copy of law degree or law school transcript) List of three (3) professional references Proof of D.C. Bar Membership Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Certification 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 Domestic Violence practice with experience in Family Law preferred, and at least one (1) year of experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution (i.e. mediation, arbitration, negotiations, and/or case evaluation). Specific alternative dispute resolution training may substitute for one (1) year of ADR experience. 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. Education To qualify based on education, upload a copy of your college transcript or degree. The transcript must show the name of the college or university, your name, list of courses with credit hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for District of Columbia Courts employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. Foreign Education: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must upload a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript at time of application to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Additional Information This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive Federal civil service. Please note there is a mandatory one year probationary period for all new court employees. All required information must be received by the vacancy announcement closing date.
