CAAF Clerkships: Armed Forces Appeals Court Guide Forum

Post by **TLS** » Tue Oct 27, 2026 7:37 am

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Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) Clerkships: 2027-28 Guide

Short answer: CAAF is a five-judge civilian court with worldwide appellate jurisdiction over courts-martial, and its decisions can be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court (CAAF) (CAAF employment). Clerks do not need military service or UCMJ knowledge (CAAF, Judge Johnson). Chief Judge Gregory E. Maggs is accepting applications for one-year 2027-28 clerkships running August 2027 to August 2028 (CAAF, Chief Judge Maggs).

Judges and hiring status

The court's clerkship page, updated August 19, 2026, lists Chief Judge Gregory E. Maggs, Judge Kevin A. Ohlson, Judge John E. Sparks, Judge Liam P. Hardy and Judge M. Tia Johnson (CAAF employment).
Chief Judge Maggs: encourages spring 2027 graduates and recent graduates; criminal law and appellate experience is particularly relevant; applications are considered until all positions are filled (CAAF).
Judge Johnson: not currently accepting applications; future openings will be posted on the court's site (CAAF).
Check each judge's page before applying; status changes often.

How to apply (Chief Judge Maggs)

Brief cover letter
Resume
Official law school transcript (a photocopy is acceptable)
Writing sample
Two letters of recommendation, emailed by the recommenders

Send materials by email to the contact listed on the Chief Judge's page.

Why clerk at CAAF

Issues span constitutional law, criminal law, evidence, administrative law and national security law (CAAF employment).
CAAF reviews decisions of the Army, Navy-Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard Courts of Criminal Appeals (CAAF).
Former clerks have gone to the armed forces, the Justice Department, national security agencies, nonprofits and law firms (CAAF).

FAQ

Q: Do I need military experience to clerk at CAAF?
No. Prior military service and UCMJ familiarity are not required (CAAF) (CAAF).

Q: Is CAAF an Article III court?
No. It is a civilian court whose decisions the Supreme Court can review by certiorari (CAAF).

Q: How long is the clerkship?
Chief Judge Maggs hires for one-year terms (CAAF).

Related guides

Last verified: September 26, 2026, against the official court pages and dated news sources linked in this guide. Hiring status changes often, so confirm on the court or chambers page before you apply. Spot an error? Reply in the linked discussion thread or PM a moderator.