Appellate Court Attorney; Level C - Senior

The Fourth Appellate District, Division Three located in Santa Ana is now accepting applications for central staff attorney positions. The positions are being recruited at levels C to Senior and will be staffed at a level commensurate with the qualifications of the selected individuals.

Duties of the attorneys include assisting in the drafting of bench memoranda and opinions in assigned cases and reviewing memoranda and proposed opinions. These responsibilities require that the attorney carefully and accurately review appellate briefs, trial records, and other documents; thoroughly research and analyze existing law; draft clear, concise, and well-organized memoranda and proposed opinions; and make recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues before the court.

Attorneys perform legal duties and read, review, and analyze case records; conduct research of legal issues; draft memoranda and opinion proposals; edit and revise memoranda and opinions; and perform other related work as required.

The ability to discuss issues thoroughly and work independently while welcoming supervision and editing of one’s work is required. Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills are mandatory. The attorneys in these positions will review both criminal and civil cases. The Court offers a generous compensation and benefits package, including opportunities for remote work and flexible scheduling, subject to the direction and approval of the justice or supervisor.

• 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 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 Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)

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

Applicants must have at least the following:

Active membership in the State Bar of California and:

Level C:
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:
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 Level
:
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.

Please Note:

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.

Additional experience in excess of the minimum qualifications in the practice of law, with experience as a judicial staff attorney, appellate practitioner, or comparable position emphasizing legal writing and analysis, and experience in exercising adjudicatory (as opposed to solely advocacy) skills. Broad and practical knowledge of the law; familiarity with appellate practice; familiarity with writ practice and procedures; mature and sound judgment;

and ability to work both independently and cooperatively with other members of the court staff.