Appellate Court Attorney – Division Eight

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 serve in a justice’s chambers and work collaboratively with the justice in preparing opinions. The types of cases presented are varied, and the attorney will work on both civil and criminal appeals in an environment providing significant responsibility and challenge.

The attorney’s duties will include:  reviewing appellate briefs and trial court records; thoroughly researching and analyzing existing law; drafting clear, concise, and well-reasoned memoranda and draft opinions; reviewing and proofreading opinions; making recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court; and performing other tasks the justice assigns. Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills are mandatory, along with a sense of collegiality, a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a dedication to excellence and public service. Candidates must be able to work independently on complex legal issues in many different areas of the law, organize their own work, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Desirable qualifications include state or federal clerkship experience and familiarity with appellate practice.

Salary is based on qualifications and experience. 
 

Responsibilities

• 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.

Desirable Qualifications

• Prior state or federal clerkship experience and familiarity with appellate practice.

How To Apply

To apply online, please click the Apply for Job button.

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.

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)

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)

Equal Employment Opportunity

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