Appellate Court Attorney, Level -D or Senior Appellate Court Attorney

Overview

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, located in Sacramento, decides consequential cases impacting the development of California’s criminal and civil jurisprudence. The court is currently recruiting talented lawyers who exhibit a commitment to excellence and who enjoy thinking and writing about legal issues to serve on the court’s central staff. The daily work of appellate court attorneys includes reviewing briefs and records in civil, criminal, and juvenile matters;

working collaboratively with other attorneys and jurists to resolve varied legal questions; thoroughly researching and analyzing the law; drafting clear, concise, and well-written memoranda and proposed opinions; reviewing and proofreading opinions; and performing other related work as required. Candidates should possess exceptional analytical, research, and writing skills; the ability to work collaboratively with others; strong attention to detail; and sound judgment.

The individuals selected for the positions will be appointed at a level commensurate with their qualifications.

Litigation or appellate advocacy experience or a prior judicial clerkship are desirable, but proven interest in legal writing and analysis, and a desire to contribute to the judiciary are essential. The court values its highly engaged attorney staff and, to promote continued engagement, offers a generous compensation and benefits package, including substantial paid leave and holiday time and flexible work schedules.

Additionally, remote work privileges are available.

• 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
• Flex Elect Program
• Long Term Care Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)

The Third District Court of Appeal Is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

Senior: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of six years of post-bar legal experience, including substantial appellate experience, in a legal setting such as a private law practice, corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.

OR

Two years of experience as an appellate attorney, Level D, with the judicial branch.

• Work experience as a law clerk to a federal judge after passing a state bar but prior to formal state bar admission will be considered equivalent to post-bar legal experience.

• For external candidates for the Senior Appellate Court Attorney class, the Administrative Presiding Justice must certify that the candidate possesses “substantial appellate experience.”