Supreme Court & Appellate Litigation Associate Attorney - D.C.

Company: Direct Counsel
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Job Description: Supreme Court & Appellate Litigation Associate (1st–3rd Year) Location: Washington, D.C. An AmLaw 100 firm is seeking a highly credentialed 1st to 3rd year associate with at least one year of practice experience to join its elite Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation Practice in Washington, D.C. This team handles some of the most consequential appeals in the country , including in the U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts of appeals, and state supreme courts. This is a premier opportunity for an associate with strong academic pedigree, appellate writing experience, and/or judicial clerkship experience to work on high-profile constitutional, statutory, and administrative law matters. Key Responsibilities: Draft briefs and memoranda in U.S. Supreme Court, federal appellate, and select state appellate cases Analyze complex legal and constitutional questions for appeal Assist with strategic appellate case development and issue preservation Participate in moot courts and oral argument preparation Collaborate across litigation teams handling trial and appellate work Engage with clients and amicus curiae throughout all stages of the appellate process Job Requirements: 1–3 years of appellate litigation experience (clerkship or post-clerkship preferred) Strong writing, research, and analytical skills Outstanding academic credentials from a top-tier law school DC Bar admission (or ability to waive in) Appellate clerkship experience strongly preferred Judicial clerks completing their term in 2025 are encouraged to apply Compensation: This position offers Cravath-scale compensation , including a base salary of $225,000–$250,000 depending on class year, plus generous annual bonuses .

Keywords: Direct Counsel, Alexandria , Supreme Court & Appellate Litigation Associate Attorney - D.C., Legal , Washington, Virginia