Appellate Court Attorney – Division One

Overview

Associate Justice Gregory Weingart of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division One, located in Los Angeles, is accepting applications for a research attorney.  

A research attorney works collaboratively with the justice in the preparation of opinions in all areas of appellate law including civil, criminal, and juvenile. This is an intellectually challenging position with significant responsibility.

Responsibilities

•    Reviewing appellate briefs and trial court records; 
•    Researching and analyzing existing law; drafting opinions; and performing other tasks as necessary. 
•    You must have mature and sound judgment.  
•    Occasional work on weekends and evenings is sometimes necessary to timely complete necessary tasks.
 

Qualifications

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: State or federal clerking experience, broad and practical knowledge of the law, and familiarity with appellate practice.
 

How To Apply

To apply, 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 November 30, 2026. The position will begin January 4, 2027. Applying early is encouraged, as application review and screening will occur on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until it 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 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 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)
•    Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
 

Equal Employment Opportunity

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