Appellate Court Attorney, Level B, C, D or Senior

The California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, located in San Francisco, is accepting attorney applications to work in the chambers of Presiding Justice Alison Tucher. This full-time position will be staffed at Level B, Level C, Level D, or Senior commensurate with the qualifications of the selected individual as set forth below. Applicants advancing to the final phase in the selection process will be required to complete a timed, in-house writing exercise. A hybrid work schedule may be available.

• Carefully and accurately review, evaluate, and analyze appellate briefs, trial court records, and other documents;
• Conduct thorough independent research of caselaw and statutory authority;
• Within assigned deadlines, draft and revise clear, concise, and well-organized bench memoranda and proposed opinions in cases assigned to the justices of the Court of Appeal;
• Make oral recommendations regarding the resolution of legal issues before the court;
• May work on writ matters, including petitions for writ of habeas corpus, prohibition and mandate, and writ petitions from Workers’ Compensation and Public Utilities Commissions matters; and
• Perform other related work as required.

All levels require active membership in the State Bar of California.

In addition to the requirement set forth above:

Level B: Equivalent to two years of post-bar legal experience.

Level C: Equivalent to three years of post-bar legal experience; or one year of experience as an appellate attorney, Level B, with the judicial branch.

Level D: Equivalent to four years of post-bar legal experience; or one year of experience as an appellate attorney, Level C, with the judicial branch.

Senior: Equivalent to six years of post-bar legal experience; or two years of experience as an appellate attorney, Level D, with the Judicial Branch.

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.

Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills; broad and practical knowledge of civil and/or criminal law; familiarity with trial court and/or appellate practice; mature and sound judgment; and ability to work cooperatively with other members of the staff and court. Ability to discuss issues thoroughly and to work independently while welcoming supervision and editing of one’s work product.

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.

If you are selected for hire, verification of employment eligibility or authorization to work in the United States will be required.

To ensure earliest consideration, please apply by March 13, 2026.

1. To complete an online application, please click the Apply for Job button and attach your cover letter and resume.

OR

2. Options for obtaining the employment application:

• Download a copy from the Careers page (www.courts.ca.gov/careers) under the Tips for Job Applicants section, or
• Visit the Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Clerk’s Office public counter, 350 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or
• Call the Human Resources Department at the First Appellate District at 415-865-7369.

Please send a completed application, a response to the supplemental questionnaire, a cover letter, and a resume to the following address:

First District Court of Appeal
Attn: Human Resources, Req. #: 6608
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

The Court of Appeal, First Appellate District provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation. Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is available by dialing 711. Once connected, provide the relay operator with the number for Human Resources: 415-865-7369.

To help us assess your qualifications, please respond to the following. Your response should be no more than two pages in length.

1. Are you an active member of the State Bar of California or any other state? List admission date(s) and state(s).

2. State the number of years of post-bar legal experience you possess.

3. This position requires independent research, analysis and writing on complex legal issues to assist the court in drafting appellate opinions in many different areas of law. Describe your experience performing comparable work.

4. Criminal experience is helpful but not required. Describe any experience you have in analyzing legal issues that arise in criminal proceedings.

Level B: $8,569 to $10,889 per month

Level C: $9,422 to $11,974 per month

Level D: $10,848 to $14,474 per month

Senior: $12,276 to $16,384 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.

BENEFITS

Highlights of our current benefits package include:

• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• FlexElect Program
• Long Term Disability (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Transit pass subsidy
• 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program

The Court of Appeal, First Appellate District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.