Description:

Job Duties: This position involves highly responsible confidential legal work for the Hon. Larkin Walsh of the Kansas Supreme Court. A research attorney reviews the briefs and underlying case record, conducts in-depth research on the questions of law presented, prepares prehearing memoranda for the Court based on the facts of the case and applicable law, serves as trusted counsel, and performs other tasks as assigned by the justice. Incumbent serves at the pleasure of the appointing justice.

Employment Dates: This position is for a 1-year term with the possibility of extension—beginning no later than August 1, 2027, through July 31, 2028.

Required Education and Experience: Upon beginning employment, the candidate must:

Have graduated from an ABA accredited law school, and be eligible to practice law in Kansas
Possess superior research and writing skills, strong analytical ability, a positive attitude, and insatiable curiosity
Demonstrate discretion, good judgment, initiative, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
Be proficient in Microsoft Word and computer assisted legal research, including Westlaw
Applicants who have not yet passed the Kansas Bar or received a qualifying UBE are eligible to apply, but must do the following before employment:
apply to take the Kansas Bar Exam or apply to tranfer their UBE score to Kansas
submit proof they successfully completed the MPRE and the character and fitness evaluation in Kansas, and
obtain a Kansas temporary permit to practice law.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong academic credentials (top third)
Law Review or other note-worthy journal experience
Prior service as a judicial law clerk or law firm associate

Application details and deadline: With application, please also submit cover letter, resume, law school transcript (may be unofficial), no more than four references, and a writing sample (self-edited, not edited by a third party).
Preference will be given to applications received by December 19, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled.

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with the Judicial Branch. If you wish to request an ADA accommodation, please contact ada@kscourts.org or by TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.