Click here for Job Posting:  Appellate Court Attorney, Level D - Senior

Job ID: 6020

The application deadline is September 20, 2023

The Fourth Appellate District, Division Three located in Santa Ana is now accepting applications for central staff attorney positions. The positions are being recruited at levels D to Senior and will be staffed at a level commensurate with the qualifications of the selected individuals.

Duties of the attorneys include assisting in the drafting of bench memoranda and opinions in assigned cases and reviewing memoranda and proposed opinions.  These responsibilities require that the attorney carefully and accurately review appellate briefs, trial records, and other documents; thoroughly research and analyze existing law; draft clear, concise, and well-organized memoranda and proposed opinions; and make recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues before the court.  Attorneys perform legal duties and read, review, and analyze case records; conduct research of legal issues; draft memoranda and opinion proposals; edit and revise memoranda and opinions; and perform other related work as required.

The ability to discuss issues thoroughly and work independently while welcoming supervision and editing of one’s work is required.  Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills are mandatory. The attorneys in these positions will review both criminal and civil cases. These are in-person positions with some flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

Applicants must have at least the following:
Active membership in the State Bar of California and:

Level D: 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 Level: 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.

Please Note: 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.

Desirable qualifications:
Additional experience in excess of the minimum qualifications in the practice of law, with experience as a judicial staff attorney, appellate practitioner, or comparable position emphasizing legal writing and analysis, and experience in exercising adjudicatory (as opposed to solely advocacy) skills. Broad and practical knowledge of the law; familiarity with appellate practice; familiarity with writ practice and procedures; mature and sound judgment; and ability to work both independently and cooperatively with other members of the court staff.

How To Apply

To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by 5:00 PM on September 5, 2023. The deadline to apply is September 20, 2023. 

To complete an online application, please click the Apply for Job button.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal 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.