Appellate Court Attorney (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 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. 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 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 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. SALARY 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, 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 • 13 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 The Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.