Overview

Central Staff Positions:

The Fourth Appellate District, Division Three located in Santa Ana is now accepting applications for two Central Staff Attorneys to work under the general supervision of the Presiding Justice and the direct supervision of the Managing Attorney. 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.

The duties of these Central Staff attorneys will include reviewing appellate briefs and trial records, researching and analyzing the law, assisting with the preparation of draft opinions, reviewing and proofreading opinions by the Justices, and performing other tasks as assigned by the Justices and Managing Attorney. These Central Staff attorneys will work directly with the authoring Justice on opinions. 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 this position will review both criminal and civil cases.

Responsibilities

Salary is based on qualifications and experience.

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:    

Level D                  $8,661-$11,558

Senior                    $9,803-$13,084

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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 Level: 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.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Additional experience in excess of the minimum qualifications is desirable. Experience within the California Judicial Branch is preferred.

How To Apply

To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by Jan 21, 2019.   

This position requires the submission of our official application, resume, cover letter, answer to supplemental questions, and a writing sample.

OR

The Fourth District Court of Appeal provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation.  Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Fourth District Court of Appeal Human Resources at (619) 744-0760. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 415-865-4272.

Supplemental Questions

To better assess the qualifications of each applicant, the Court asks that you respond to the following questions.  Your response should be no more than two pages in length.

The position of Appellate Court Attorney involves drafting legal memoranda and assisting the Court in researching and drafting appellate opinions on a wide variety of matters. Extensive independent research, analysis, and writing on complex legal issues are required. Please describe, in some detail, the relevant experience you have in performing comparable work and indicate why you believe your experience and skills qualify you for the position. Also, please explain why you are interested in this position.

Please provide your date of admission to the State Bar of California.