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

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

LOCATION: Sacramento, CA

JOB REQUISITION: 6595

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.

• Review, evaluate, and analyze briefs, petitions, motions, and other pertinent documents filed in a particular case to determine factual accuracy, identify legal issues on appeal, and comprehend scope and complexity of issues raised.
• Prepare complete and concise written statements of facts pursuant to rules of appellate review.
• Analyze legal issues raised by parties.
• Read and apply relevant authority from cases, statutes, constitutional provisions, and rules of court cited by parties or as otherwise identified through independent research.
• Research legislative history and intent of particular statutes.
• Draft conference memoranda, opinions, orders, and requests for supplemental briefing.
• Use citator services to verify precedential value of citations.
• Consult with other attorneys and/or professional staff regarding issues on appeal.
• Attend oral arguments.
• Review, evaluate, and analyze petitions for rehearing.
• Serve on court committees as required.
• Work collaboratively and collegially with other attorneys and/or professional staff.
• Conduct special legal research and assignments when requested, including editing of work prepared by court externs.

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…