Writ Attorney (Appellate Court Attorney)

Overview

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Three is accepting applications for a Writ Attorney to work directly with the justices.  The Writ Attorney will review civil, criminal, and juvenile writ petitions, evaluate the record, research and analyze legal issues, and prepare memoranda and draft orders for presentation to either the Presiding Justice (on urgent matters) or a three-judge panel for review and decision.  The Writ Attorney’s duties will also include preparing draft opinions in writ matters that become a cause for decision.  This position requires the ability to work independently and under tight time constraints.  Candidates should possess superior analytical, research, and writing skills.  Familiarity with appellate practice and/or prior judicial clerkship experience is preferred.

Salary is based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

Level C: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of three years of post-bar 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.

Work experience as a law clerk to a federal judge after passing a state bar but prior to formal state bar admission will be considered equivalent to post-bar legal experience.

How To Apply

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

The following items are required.

• Completed online application
• Law school transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable)
• Resume
• Writing Sample

For earliest consideration, please apply on or before July 17, 2026.  This position will remain open until filled. Applying early is encouraged, as application review and screening will occur on a rolling basis.

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
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, 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
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Choice of annual leave or sick/vacation leave
• $130 transit pass subsidy per month
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401K and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• FlexElect Program
• Long Term Disability
• Long Term Care
• Group Legal Plan
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

Equal Employment Opportunity

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