Appellate Court Attorney – Division Three

Overview

Presiding Justice Lee Edmon of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in Los Angeles, is accepting applications for an appellate attorney.  

The Second District resolves important questions of California civil, criminal, and juvenile law. The attorney will work collaboratively with the justice in the preparation of opinions in an environment providing significant responsibility and challenge. Many attorneys work a hybrid schedule that includes working both remotely and in person.

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 draft opinions; reviewing and proofreading opinions; making recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court; and performing other tasks as assigned by the justice.  Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills are mandatory, along with collegiality, a strong work ethic, 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. Candidates must also be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others in chambers and at the court while welcoming supervision and editing of the attorney’s work product. Desirable qualifications include state or federal clerking experience or familiarity with appellate practice.

Responsibilities

Presiding Justice Lee Edmon of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in Los Angeles, is accepting applications for an appellate attorney.  

The Second District resolves important questions of California civil, criminal, and juvenile law. The attorney will work collaboratively with the justice in the preparation of opinions in an environment providing significant responsibility and challenge. Many attorneys work a hybrid schedule that includes working both remotely and in person.

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 draft opinions; reviewing and proofreading opinions; making recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court; and performing other tasks as assigned by the justice.  Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills are mandatory, along with collegiality, a strong work ethic, 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. Candidates must also be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others in chambers and at the court while welcoming supervision and editing of the attorney’s work product. Desirable qualifications include state or federal clerking experience or familiarity with appellate practice.

Responsibilities

• Review appellate briefs and trial court records.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis of existing law.
• Draft clear, concise, and well-reasoned draft opinions.
• Review and proofread judicial opinions for accuracy, clarity, and legal soundness.
• Make recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the justice.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills.
• Exhibit collegiality, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence.
• Work independently on complex legal issues while effectively organizing workload, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Collaborate and cooperate with justices, chambers staff, and court colleagues.

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.

Desirable Qualifications:

• State or federal clerking experience or 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 January 30, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Pay and Benefits

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)

Salary is based on qualifications and experience. 

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
• Pretax Parking
• Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)