Appellate Court Attorney – Division Seven

Overview

Associate Justice Natalie Stone of Division Seven of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in Los Angeles, is looking for one full-time or two half-time appellate chambers attorneys to work closely and collaboratively with Justice Stone in the preparation of opinions that shape California law.

Ideal candidates enjoy legal analysis, research, and crafting persuasive legal arguments; they relish tackling challenging legal issues in diverse subject areas; and they wish to use their skills in service of the public and the fair administration of justice in California.  

Justice Stone’s profile can be found here: https://appellate.courts.ca.gov/district-courts/2dca/bio/natalie-p-stone  
 

Responsibilities

• Researching and analyzing existing law; 
• Reviewing trial court records and appellate briefs and evaluating competing legal arguments; Making recommendations concerning the resolution of legal issues presented on appeal;
• Drafting clear, concise, and well-reasoned proposed opinions; 
• Reviewing and editing opinions to ensure accuracy and clarity.  
• Besides exceptional analytical, writing, and research skills, candidates must possess a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a dedication to excellence.  
• Candidates must be able to work independently on complex legal issues, organize their own work, set priorities, and meet deadlines. 
   

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: Prior judicial clerking experience or familiarity with appellate practice is desirable but not required. We welcome applications from attorneys with diverse professional experiences, including private practice, government service, and other legal settings.
 

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 November 4, 2026. Applying early is encouraged, as application review and screening will occur on a rolling basis. This position is open until filled. 
 

Pay and Benefits

The salary reflects the full-time rate. Half-time positions will be prorated accordingly 50% of the full-time rate.

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, experience and work schedule.

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.