Description:

Overview:
The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in Los Angeles, is accepting applications for a half-time appellate attorney position with its central staff.

This position allows you to contribute directly to the Court's work across civil, criminal, and dependency matters. Central staff attorneys support multiple justices, providing assistance where additional research and drafting are needed. The role provides both intellectual challenge and flexibility, making it well-suited for experienced practitioners seeking balance or attorneys eager to deepen their appellate expertise. The attorney will review appellate briefs and trial records, research and analyze complex legal issues, and prepare initial drafts of opinions. Responsibilities include reviewing and proofreading opinions, along with other tasks as needed by the managing attorney or justices.

This half-time position offers scheduling flexibility and, where appropriate, remote work options. Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:

Review appellate briefs and trial records
Research and analyze complex legal issues and prepare initial drafts of opinions.
Reviewing and proofreading opinions, along with other tasks as needed by the managing attorney or justices.

Desirable Qualifications:

Excellent analytical, research, and legal writing skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
Demonstrated commitment to producing careful, high-quality work.
Familiarity with appellate practice is preferred but not required.

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:
Apply online at by clicking on the Apply for Job button.

The following items are required.

Completed online application
Cover letter
Resume
Writing Sample

For earliest consideration, please apply by November 14, 2025, and include all required items listed above. The position will remain open until it is filled.

Pay and Benefits:
Salary (half-time)
Level A: $3,443 per month
Level B: $4,166 to $5,291 per month
(Starting salary will be between $4,166 to $4,582.50 per month)
Level C: $4,579 to $5,820 per month
(Starting salary will be between $4,579 to $5,037 per month)
Level D: $5,270.50 to $7,034.50 per month
(Starting salary will vary between $5,270.50 to $5,797.50 per month)

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.