Appellate Court Attorney – Division Three

Overview

Associate Justice Mark Hanasono of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in Los Angeles, is accepting applications for an appellate attorney.  

The attorney will work collaboratively in writing proposed opinions for appeals from cases decided by the Los Angeles Superior Court. The types of cases reviewed include the following areas of law: civil, criminal, probate, family, juvenile justice, and juvenile dependency. Candidates must have exceptional writing, analytical, and research skills. The position requires collegiality, a strong work ethic, and a dedication to excellence. A hybrid schedule is available for the attorney to work both remotely and in person.

Responsibilities

• Review appellate briefs and trial court records; 
• Research and analyze existing law;
• Write clear, concise, and well-reasoned drafts of opinions; 
• Edit opinions and check citations; 
• Make recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court; 
• Independently work on complex legal issues, organize and manage a workload, set priorities, meet deadlines; and
• Assist and collaborate with other members of the chambers.

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:

• Completion of a state or federal trial or appellate court judicial clerkship and familiarity with appellate practice and/or litigation.

How To Apply

To apply online, please click on the Apply For Job button.

The following items are required.

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

For earliest consideration, please apply by February 6, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position 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

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, the posted salary range is subject to a temporary 3% reduction. In exchange for this reduction, judicial branch employees accrue an additional 5 hours of paid personal leave per month through June 30, 2027.

BENEFITS:                 

• 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
• Pretax Parking
• 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.