Appellate Court Attorney – Central Staff

Overview

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in Los Angeles, is accepting applications for an appellate attorney position with its central staff.

This position allows you to contribute directly to the Court's work across civil, criminal, and dependency matters. Central staff attorneys support multiple justices, providing assistance where additional research and drafting are needed. The role provides both intellectual challenge and flexibility, making it well-suited for experienced practitioners seeking balance or attorneys eager to deepen their appellate expertise.

The attorney will review appellate briefs and trial records, research and analyze complex legal issues, and prepare initial drafts of opinions. Responsibilities include reviewing and proofreading opinions, along with other tasks as needed by the managing attorney or justices.

We seek candidates with excellent analytical, research, and legal writing skills; strong attention to detail and ability to work independently; and a demonstrated commitment to producing careful, high-quality work. Familiarity with appellate practice is preferred but not required.

This position offers scheduling flexibility and, where appropriate, remote work options. Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review appellate briefs and trial records
• Research and analyze complex legal issues and prepare initial drafts of opinions. 
• Reviewing and proofreading opinions, along with other tasks as needed by the managing attorney or justices.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Excellent analytical, research, and legal writing skills. 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated commitment to producing careful, high-quality work. 
• Familiarity with appellate practice is preferred but not required.

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.

How To Apply

Apply online at by clicking on the Apply for Job button.

• Completed online application
• Cover letter 
• Resume 
• Writing Sample

For earliest consideration, please apply by December 19, 2025, and include all required items listed above. The position will remain open until it is filled.

The Judicial Council provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation. Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources at (415) 865-4260. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is available by dialing 711. Once connected, provide the relay operator with the number for Human Resources: 415-865-4260.

Pay and Benefits

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)

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)

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.