Mahasin El-Amin, Esq. Named Next Clerk of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals

It is with great excitement and pride that the DC Courts announce the appointment of Ms. Mahasin El-Amin, Esq., as the next Clerk of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Her appointment marks a historic milestone, as she will become the first woman to serve as Clerk of the Court in the DC Court of Appeals’ history.

This historic appointment represents more than an important first. It signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our Court of Appeals—one grounded in a proud tradition of service, strengthened by continuity and collaboration, and inspired by the opportunities that lie ahead.

Ms. El-Amin brings to this important leadership role more than 15 years of experience in executive leadership, legal practice, and public service, including extensive experience in judicial administration, organizational management, strategic planning, and court modernization.

Since December 2018, Ms. El-Amin has served as the elected Clerk of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, where she has provided executive leadership for a high-volume court operation with nearly 200 employees. In that role, she oversaw a $17 million operating budget, guided significant organizational and technological improvements, and worked collaboratively with judges, court administrators, employees, and justice system partners to strengthen the efficient administration of justice.

Among her notable accomplishments, Ms. El-Amin successfully led her Clerk’s Office through the implementation of Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC), transitioning from paper-based processes to an electronic case management system that improved operational efficiency and expanded public access to court services. Through process improvements and organizational leadership, she also helped to significantly reduce certain case-processing times.

Ms. El-Amin also brings a demonstrated commitment to employee engagement, professional development, fiscal responsibility, and collaborative problem-solving. Her experience navigating organizational change, maintaining essential court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and contributing to statewide judicial technology initiatives will serve the Court of Appeals well as we continue to strengthen our operations and embrace opportunities for innovation.

Prior to her service as Clerk, Ms. El-Amin practiced law in Maryland, handling a broad range of litigation and legal matters. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law and her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida. She is also a graduate of Leadership Greater Washington and has held leadership positions in several professional organizations.

As we welcome Ms. El-Amin, we do so with both honor and appreciation for the legacy and foundation upon which the DC Court of Appeals has built its reputation for excellence and an optimism about its future.

We recognize that meaningful leadership transitions are not simply about welcoming a new individual into an important position. Rather, it’s about bringing people together, honoring institutional knowledge, building trust, and creating opportunities to strengthen the work that we do.

The DC Courts are fortunate to have an extraordinarily dedicated team of judges, managers, and employees whose professionalism and commitment to public service have sustained its operations. Ms. El-Amin’s leadership will build upon that foundation, by drawing upon the experience, expertise, and perspectives of those who serve our Courts every day.

We are especially encouraged by her demonstrated commitment to collaborative leadership and her understanding that the success of the D.C. Court of Appeals and the DC Courts depends upon not only sound policies, effective systems, and efficient processes; but also, upon the people entrusted with carrying out our mission.

Her appointment also comes at an important moment for the D.C. Court of Appeals and the DC Courts. As we navigate an increasingly complex operating environment, evolving public expectations, and significant resource challenges, we remain committed to strengthening organizational effectiveness, embracing responsible innovation, and fostering a workplace culture defined by professionalism, accountability, respect, and teamwork.

We are confident that Ms. El-Amin’s experience, leadership, and fresh perspective will help advance these priorities while preserving the institutional strengths and traditions that have served the D.C. Court of Appeals and the DC Courts so well.

This transition reflects our shared commitment to the D.C. Court of Appeals and the DC Courts’ enduring mission and vision to be: “Open to All, Trusted by All, [and to provide] Justice for All.”

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