Appellate Writ Attorney - Division Six (Appellate Court Attorney)

Overview

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six, located a block from the beach in downtown Ventura, is currently accepting applications for a Writ Attorney. The court values diversity and inclusion in our workplace.

The Writ Attorney will work directly with the four justices and with our current Writ Attorney in reviewing civil and criminal writ petitions and pre-chamber assignment motions. You must be able to evaluate the record, research, identify and analyze issues, prepare memoranda, make recommendations and prepare proposed orders and draft opinions. You also must be able to work under tight time constraints.

Start date is flexible but we prefer a start date no later than mid-August, 2026. A hybrid schedule with some in-person and some remote work is possible. Salary is based upon qualifications and experience.

The position is being recruited at levels C to D.

Qualifications

Applicants should have appellate court experience, or significant writing experience in appellate practice or trial litigation. Essential qualifications are strong research, analytical, and writing abilities; familiarity with appellate practice; sound judgment; attention to detail; excellent time-management; and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Strict adherence to ethics and the ability to maintain confidentiality are required. Proficiency with computerized legal research, word processing, and relevant software applications is essential.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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
• Two professional references
• Writing Sample

To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by 5:00 p.m. on July 27, 2026 and include all required items listed above. 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 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
• Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)
• Free secure parking
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

Supplemental Questions

To better assess the qualifications of each applicant, the Court asks that you respond to the following questions.  Your responses should be no more than two pages in length total.  Please include your responses in your cover letter.

1. Please provide your date of admission to the State Bar of California.
2. Please explain why you are interested in this position.
3. Please describe, in some detail, your experience in conducting legal research and writing on complex legal issues.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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