Senior Appellate Court Attorney (Level D - Seni...

Closing Date: 7th June, 2024

Description:

Overview:
The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, located in Riverside, decides cases at the forefront of California's civil and criminal jurisprudence. The Court is currently recruiting talented lawyers with a love for the law and writing, a strong work ethic and a dedication to excellence to serve in the Presiding Justice's chambers. The Court values diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Working as a chamber's attorney offers a unique opportunity to think and write about developing issues in the law. Your work at the court would include drafting proposed opinions in all areas of appellate law including criminal, civil, and juvenile. Litigation experience or a prior judicial clerkship are desirable, but a proven interest in legal writing and analysis, and a desire to contribute to the judicial branch are a must. The Court offers a generous compensation and benefits package, including opportunities for remote work and flexible scheduling, subject to the Justice's approval.
The position is being recruited at levels D to Senior and will be staffed at a level commensurate with the qualifications of the selected individuals.
Responsibilities:
Duties of an attorney include assisting in the drafting of tentative opinions in assigned cases, reviewing tentative opinions, preparing legal memoranda, and preparing orders on law and motion matters. These responsibilities require that the attorney carefully and accurately review appellate briefs, petitions and motions, trial records, and other documents; thoroughly research and analyze existing law; draft clear, concise, and well-organized tentative opinions, memoranda and orders; and make recommendations regarding resolution of legal issues before the court. Attorneys perform legal duties and read, review, and analyze case records and appellate filings; conduct research of legal issues; draft edit and revise tentative opinions; draft legal memoranda; draft orders; and perform other related work as assigned.
Qualifications:
Desirable Qualifications:
Applicants should have Appellate Court experience, or experience in either appellate litigation or trial litigation with substantial writing experience. They should also have exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills; broad and practical knowledge of the law; familiarity with appellate practice; mature and sound judgment; attention to detail; good time-management skills; and ability to work both independently and cooperatively with other members of the court staff. Applicants should welcome supervision and editing of their work product. Experience with computerized legal research, word processing skills, and knowledge of software applications are also essential.
Minimum 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.

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