Appellate Court Attorney, Level A-D or Senior Appellate Court Attorney
Apply NowCompany: State of California
Location: Sacramento, CA 95823
Description:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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.
Minimum Requirements This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-468540
Position #(s):
156-100-2482-XXX
Working Title:
Appellate Court Attorney, Level A-D or Senior Appellate Court Attorney
Classification:
Appellate Court Attorney, Level A $6,521.00 - $6,521.00
Shall Consider:
Appellate Court Attorney, Level B
$7,895.00 - $10,028.00
Appellate Court Attorney, Level C
$8,680.00 - $11,029.00
Appellate Court Attorney, Level D
$11,307.00 - $15,091.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
OVERVIEW
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.
Department Website: http://www.courts.ca.gov/careers
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 4/14/2025
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Completed Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. A completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included, when submitting your application in hard copy.
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Judicial Council of California
Primary Cert Contact
Attn: Please APPLY ONLINE in the benefits section below
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco , CA 94102-3688
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
MINIMUM 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.
Senior: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the 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.
NOTES:
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.
For external candidates for the Senior Appellate Court Attorney class, the Administrative Presiding Justice must certify that the candidate possesses "substantial appellate experience."
Benefits
HOW TO APPLY
This position requires the submission of our official application, a cover letter, a resume, and a response to the supplemental questions listed below. The positions will remain open until filled, but to ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by noon ( 12:00 P.M.) on April 14, 2025.
To complete an online application, please click the Apply for Job button. Please do not submit a writing sample.
The Judicial Council provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation. Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources at (415) 865-4260. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (415) 865-4272.
PAYMENT & BENEFITS
Level A: $6,521 per month
Level B: $7,895 - $10,028 per month
Level C: $8,680 - $11,029 per month
Level D: $9,987 - $13,332 per month
Senior: $11,307 - $15,091 per month
Some highlights of our benefits package include:
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 reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs
CalPERS Retirement Plan
401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
Employee Assistance Program
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
FlexElect Program
Long Term Care Program (employee paid/optional)
Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.courts.ca.gov/careers
Human Resources Contact:
Alexis Ortiz
(415) 865-4565
Alexis.Ortiz@jud.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Sandra Grace
(415) 865-8944
Sandra.Grace@jud.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
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.
Minimum Requirements This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.
- Appellate Court Attorney, Level A
- Appellate Court Attorney, Level B
- Appellate Court Attorney, Level C
- Appellate Court Attorney, Level D
- Job Application Package Checklist
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-468540
Position #(s):
156-100-2482-XXX
Working Title:
Appellate Court Attorney, Level A-D or Senior Appellate Court Attorney
Classification:
Appellate Court Attorney, Level A $6,521.00 - $6,521.00
Shall Consider:
Appellate Court Attorney, Level B
$7,895.00 - $10,028.00
Appellate Court Attorney, Level C
$8,680.00 - $11,029.00
Appellate Court Attorney, Level D
$11,307.00 - $15,091.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
OVERVIEW
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.
Department Website: http://www.courts.ca.gov/careers
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 4/14/2025
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Completed Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. A completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included, when submitting your application in hard copy.
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Judicial Council of California
Primary Cert Contact
Attn: Please APPLY ONLINE in the benefits section below
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco , CA 94102-3688
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
MINIMUM 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.
Senior: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the 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.
NOTES:
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.
For external candidates for the Senior Appellate Court Attorney class, the Administrative Presiding Justice must certify that the candidate possesses "substantial appellate experience."
Benefits
HOW TO APPLY
This position requires the submission of our official application, a cover letter, a resume, and a response to the supplemental questions listed below. The positions will remain open until filled, but to ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by noon ( 12:00 P.M.) on April 14, 2025.
To complete an online application, please click the Apply for Job button. Please do not submit a writing sample.
The Judicial Council provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation. Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources at (415) 865-4260. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (415) 865-4272.
PAYMENT & BENEFITS
Level A: $6,521 per month
Level B: $7,895 - $10,028 per month
Level C: $8,680 - $11,029 per month
Level D: $9,987 - $13,332 per month
Senior: $11,307 - $15,091 per month
Some highlights of our benefits package include:
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 reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs
CalPERS Retirement Plan
401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
Employee Assistance Program
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
FlexElect Program
Long Term Care Program (employee paid/optional)
Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.courts.ca.gov/careers
Human Resources Contact:
Alexis Ortiz
(415) 865-4565
Alexis.Ortiz@jud.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Sandra Grace
(415) 865-8944
Sandra.Grace@jud.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.