Appellate Court Attorney – Division Five

Overview

Associate Justice Dorothy Kim 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Review appellate briefs and trial court records to assess legal arguments and issues.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analyze existing law to support judicial decision-making.
• Draft clear, concise, and well-reasoned memoranda and draft opinions for the court.
• Review and proofread opinions to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Make recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the justice.
• Maintain excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Exhibit collegiality, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence.
• Work independently on complex legal issues with minimal supervision.
• Effectively organize workload, set priorities, and meet strict deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications: 

• State or federal clerkship experience or familiarity with appellate practice.

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

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

The following items are required.

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

For earliest consideration, please apply by April 7, 2025, and include all required items listed above. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Pay and Benefits

SALARY 

Level A:           $6,685

Level B:           $8,809 to $10,274 per month

(Starting salary will be between $8,809 to $8,898 per month)

Level C:            $8,891 to $11,301 per month 

(Starting salary will be between $8,891 to $9,708 per month)

Level D:           $10,234 to $13,659 per month

(Starting salary will vary between $10,234 to $11,257 per month)

Salary is based on qualifications and experience. 

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
• 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.