Appellate Court Attorney - Division Eight
JOB TITLE: Appellate Court Attorney – Division Eight
LOCATION: Downtown Los Angeles
OVERVIEW
Division Eight of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in Los Angeles, is accepting applications for an appellate attorney.
This attorney will work in a justice’s chambers, assisting with the preparation of opinions on a wide range of civil and criminal appeals. The role involves reviewing briefs and trial records, conducting legal research, drafting and proofreading memoranda and opinions, and making recommendations on pending legal issues. Candidates must demonstrate excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, sound judgment, independence, and the ability to manage complex legal work under deadlines. Preferred qualifications include clerkship experience and familiarity with appellate practice.
RESPONSIBILITES
Review appellate briefs and trial court records.
Research and analyze existing law thoroughly.
Draft clear, concise, and well-reasoned memoranda and draft opinions.
Review and proofread opinions.
Make recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court.
Perform other tasks assigned by the justice.
Demonstrate excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
Exhibit collegiality, strong work ethic, sound judgment, and dedication to excellence and public service.
Work independently on complex legal issues across multiple areas of law.
Organize workload, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
QUALIFICATIONS
Level A: Active membership in the State Bar of California.
Level B: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of two
years of post-bar legal experience in a legal setting such as a private law practice, corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.
OR
Equivalent to two years of post-bar legal experience in a legal setting as described above, including one year of experience as an appellate attorney, Level A, with the judicial branch.
Level C: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of three
years of post-bar legal experience in a legal setting such as a private law practice,
corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.
OR
One year of experience as an appellate attorney, Level B, with the judicial branch.
Level D: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of four
years of post-bar legal experience in a legal setting such as a private law practice,
corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.
OR
One year of experience as an appellate attorney, Level C, with the judicial branch.
Senior: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of six years of post-bar legal experience, including substantial appellate experience, in a legal setting such as a private law practice, corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.
OR
Two years of experience as an appellate attorney, Level D, with the judicial branch.
Desirable Qualifications
Prior state or federal clerkship experience and familiarity with appellate practice.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at http://www.courts.ca.gov/careers, and search for JO#6513.
The following items are required.
Completed online application
Cover letter addressing the applicant’s interest in the position and explaining how the applicant’s experience would assist the court
Resume
Two writing samples that demonstrate the applicant’s abilities; a prefatory note contextualizing each sample is welcome
References
For earliest consideration, please apply by September 30, 2025, and include all required items listed above. The position will remain open until it is filled.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Level A: $6,886 per month
Level B: $8,332 to $10,582 per month
(Starting salary will be between $8,332 to $9,165 per month)
Level C: $9,158 to $11,640 per month
(Starting salary will be between $9,158 to $10,074 per month)
Level D: $10,541 to $14,069 per month
(Starting salary will vary between $10,541 to $11,595 per month)
Salary is based on qualifications and experience.
Please note: Due to statewide fiscal conditions, state-level judicial branch employee pay is temporarily reduced by 3% through June 30, 2027. In exchange for this reduction, employees accrue an additional 5 hours of paid personal leave each month.
Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
14 paid holidays per calendar year
Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
1 personal holiday per year
Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs
CalPERS Retirement Plan
401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
Employee Assistance Program
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
FlexElect Program
Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)
The Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
