Docket Clerk/Courtroom Deputy Job in Wilmington, DE

Vacancy No. 26-9 Department U.S. Courts
Salary $54,391.00 to $106,993.00 Grade 25 to 27
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/16/2026 Close Date 11/16/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Wilmington, DE


Docket Clerk/Courtroom Deputy

Judicial Branch
U.S. Courts
United States District Court for the District of Delaware

Summary

The Docket Clerk/Courtroom Deputy is an employee of the Clerk's Office who supports a District Judge by maintaining the official case events summary on the docket sheet and attending court proceedings as needed.

Duties

  • Manage judge's cases by calendaring, including distributing and monitoring deadlines, monitoring filing of pertinent documents, and timely responses to judicial orders.
  • Calendar and regulate case movement.
  • Provide back-up, when required, for scheduling conferences, hearings, trials, and other case processes.
  • Record court proceedings. Manage and organize exhibits used in court proceedings, including setting up and troubleshooting electronic evidence presentation systems. Attend court sessions and conferences. Assist with the orderly flow of proceedings including, but not limited to, setting up the courtroom, assuring the presence of all necessary participants, and managing exhibits. Take notes of proceedings, rulings, notices and prepare minute entries electronically.
  • Review cases or reports for necessary actions.
  • Keep judge and immediate staff informed of case progress. Assist the judge and parties in jury selection and maintain records of jury selection and attendance. Act as liaison between the clerk's office, the bar, the public and the judge to ensure that cases proceed smoothly and efficiently. Maintain contact with counsel during deliberations.
  • Schedule court reporters and interpreters; process transcripts; arrange for transcriptions; answer questions from parties and the public regarding obtaining transcripts. Refer defendants to probation office as appropriate.
  • Perform criminal docketing and monitor the criminal caseload to ensure cases proceed in compliance with provisions of the Speedy Trial Act.
  • Inform jury clerk of upcoming trials, needs for jurors, etc. Draft orders and judgments for the judge's approval including judgment commitment orders. Docket orders, pleadings, judgments, and minutes as directed by local court policy, utilizing applicable automated systems.
  • Coordinate hearings. Assist in the accurate statistical reporting requirements of the Administrative Office. Review the quality of electronically filed documents, ensuring that all orders and automated entries are appropriately and accurately docketed, and make summary entries on the docket of all documents and proceedings. Take notes of proceedings, rulings, notices and prepare minute entries electronically.
  • May assist with case administration duties.
  • May provide training and/or assistance to employees performing courtroom deputy/docket clerk duties.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • The Docket Clerk/Courtroom Deputy is a sensitive position. The selected candidate will be subject to an FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment and may be subject to periodic updates.
  • Verification of employment eligibility according to the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986 will be required of all new employees of the U.S. District Court. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications

Applicants for this position should possess at least one year of specialized experience. Specialized experience shall include the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures that demonstrate the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws, and involve the routine use of specialized terminology and automated software and equipment for word processing, data processing and report generation. A candidate must display initiative and be able to deal effectively with the District Judges, co-workers, the public, and the Bar. The individual must be able to understand the rules and regulations of the Court. Superior computer skills are required. A team attitude and a willingness to adapt to a changing work environment are essential to maintain the Court's quality standards. Professional or businesslike approach and attire are required.

Experience
Applicants for this position should possess at least one year of specialized experience.

  • CL-25 One year of specialized experience
  • CL-26 One year of specialized experience
  • CL-27 Two years of specialized experience

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • The U.S. District Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position(s) sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown, any of which action may occur without prior written notice. This job announcement may involve filing more than one position described herein.
  • The U.S. District Court requires employees to adhere to the Judicial Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees which is available on www.uscourts.gov.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

The United States District Court for the District of Delaware offers a generous benefits package which includes the following:

  • Paid annual and sick leave
  • Eleven paid federal holidays
  • Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB)
  • Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
  • Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
  • Flexible Benefits Program - Employee Assistance Programs
  • Long Term Care Insurance through the Federal Judiciary or OPM
  • Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)- up to 5% match
  • Student Loan Forgiveness Program for Public Service Employees
  • On-site fitness facility
  • Transit Subsidy Program (contingent upon availability of funds)
NOTE: Some benefits require a waiting period.

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

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

CPS qualification standards are used to determine salary.

Required Documents

  • Resume,
  • Cover letter,
  • Three business references, and
  • AO-78 - Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment

See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

How to Apply

Consideration will only be given to those who apply online and provide the required application documents in PDF format. The required application documents include the following: resume, cover letter, three business references and an AO-78 Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. To apply for the position, please visit the Court's website at: https://opportunities.ilnb.uscourts.gov/Employment/appform.cfm?ref=daye8adr&pos=26-9

Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon receipt. Incomplete applications, paper or email applications will not be considered.

Agency contact information

Beth Mason
Phone
302-573-6170
Email
Elizabeth_Mason@ded.uscourts.gov
Address
US District Court for the District of Delaware
844 N. King Street, Unit 18
Wilmington, DE 19801
US

Next steps

Due to the volume of the applications received, the court will only communicate with those individuals selected for an interview.

U.S. Courts

Agency contact information

Beth Mason
Phone
302-573-6170
Email
Elizabeth_Mason@ded.uscourts.gov
Address
US District Court for the District of Delaware
844 N. King Street, Unit 18
Wilmington, DE 19801
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Courts, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.ded.uscourts.gov/employment