United States Federal Court System

The United States federal court system is established by Article III of the Constitution and organized into three main levels: district courts (trial courts), circuit courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court. Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving federal law, constitutional questions, disputes between states, and cases involving parties from different states (diversity jurisdiction).

District Courts are the general trial courts of the federal system. There are 94 federal judicial districts, including at least one in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Each district court has its own set of local rules governing practice and procedure, which attorneys must follow in addition to the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.

Courts of Appeals (also called circuit courts) hear appeals from district courts within their geographic circuit. There are 13 circuits: 11 numbered circuits covering different regions, the D.C. Circuit, and the Federal Circuit (which has nationwide jurisdiction over specialized cases like patents and international trade).

Practicing in federal court requires separate admission to each court's bar. Attorneys must be admitted to the bar of the specific district court or circuit court where they wish to practice. Requirements vary by court but generally include membership in good standing of a state bar, an application, and an admission fee. Attorneys not admitted to a particular court may seek pro hac vice admission for individual cases.