Description:

Overview:
Division Eight of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in downtown Los Angeles, is accepting applications for an appellate court attorney to work in the chambers of Associate Justice Matthew A. Scherb. Applicants advancing to the final phase in the selection process may be asked to complete a timed, in-house writing exercise. Hybrid work schedules are available.

The Second District resolves important questions of California civil, criminal, and juvenile law. This unique, rewarding, career-oriented court position is for an outstanding attorney who is intellectually curious and is passionate about the law, legal writing, deep research and analysis, sweating details, excellence, and public service.

The attorney will work collaboratively with the justice and chambers staff to prepare opinions in a wide variety of cases. The attorney's duties will include carefully reviewing appellate briefs and trial court records; thoroughly and independently researching and analyzing existing law; timely drafting clear, concise, and well-reasoned memoranda and draft opinions; reviewing and proofreading opinions; making recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court; and performing other tasks the justice assigns. The attorney must possess exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, mature and sound judgment, and must be able to work independently on complex legal issues across different areas of the law, set priorities, and meet deadlines. The attorney 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 clerkship or career attorney experience, other experience in an adjudicatory (rather than adversarial) role, appellate practice experience, other litigation experience involving extensive writing, and exposure to multiple areas of law.

Salary is based on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities:

Review appellate briefs and trial court records.
Research and analyze existing law thoroughly.
Draft clear, concise, and well-reasoned memoranda and draft opinions.
Review and proofread opinions.
Make recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues pending before the court.
Perform other tasks assigned by the justice.
Demonstrate excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
Exhibit collegiality, strong work ethic, sound judgment, and dedication to excellence and public service.
Work independently on complex legal issues across multiple areas of law.
Organize workload, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

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.

How to Apply:
To apply online, please click the Apply for Job button. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is available by dialing 711. Once connected, provide the relay operator with the number for Human Resources: 415-865-4260.

The following items are required.

Completed online application
Cover letter addressing the applicant's interest in the position and explaining how the applicant's experience would assist the court
Resume
Two writing samples that demonstrate the applicant's abilities; a prefatory note contextualizing each sample is welcome
References

For earliest consideration, please apply by December 8, 2025, and include all required items listed above. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Pay and Benefits:
Salary & 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)

Please note: Due to statewide fiscal conditions, state-level judicial branch employee pay is temporarily reduced by 3% through June 30, 2027. In exchange for this reduction, employees accrue an additional 5 hours of paid personal leave each month.