APPELLATE COURT ATTORNEY

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Job location
333 W Santa Clara St
#1060
San Jose, CA 95113
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Judicial Council of California
Street address: 
455 Golden Gate Avenue
City: 
San Francisco
State: 
California
ZIP: 
94102
Job type: 
Legal - Civil
Position Description: 

JOB TITLE: APPELLATE COURT ATTORNEY (LEVEL B to SENIOR)

LOCATION: SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

JOB NO. 5209

OVERVIEW:
The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, 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 join its staff. Working as a lawyer at the Sixth District offers a unique opportunity to think and write about developing issues in the law and to work one on one with some of California’s finest jurists, crafting decisions that define the legal landscape for the sixth largest economy in the world. Your work at the court would include drafting proposed opinions in all areas of appellate law including criminal, civil and juvenile. Appellate, civil or criminal practice experience or a prior judicial clerkship is a plus, but a proven interest in writing, legal analysis, and desire to contribute to the Judicial Branch is a must. The Branch offers a generous compensation and benefits package, including flexibility and opportunities for remote work.

The position is being recruited at levels B to Senior and will be staffed at a level commensurate with the qualifications of the selected individuals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Duties of an attorney include drafting 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 within assigned deadlines.

PAYMENTS & BENEFITS
SALARY RANGE:
Level B: Starting salary may range from $7,287 – $9,259 per month.
Level C: Starting salary may range from $8,012 – $10,181 per month.
Level D: Starting salary may range from $9,224 – $12,308 per month.
Senior Level: Starting salary may range from $10,438 – $13,931 per month.

Highlights of our benefits package include:

  • Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
  • 13 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
  • 1 personal holiday per year
  • $130 transit pass subsidy per month
  • CalPERS Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
  • FlexElect Program
  • Pretax Parking
  • Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
  • Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)

THE SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Requirements: 

Minimum Qualifications:

Level B: 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: 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: 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.

Licenses and Certificates: Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Desirable Qualifications:

Applicants should have appellate court experience, or extensive experience in criminal and civil trial or appellate litigation. 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; and ability to work both independently and cooperatively with other members of the court staff. Applicants should have the ability to discuss issues thoroughly while welcoming supervision and editing of one's work product. Experience with computerized legal research, word processing skills, and knowledge of software applications are also essential.

OTHER
If you are selected for hire, the court will require verification of employment eligibility or authorization to legally work in the United States.

To apply: 

HOW TO APPLY

To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by June 15, 2020. These positions require the submission of our official employment application, cover letter, resume, a writing sample no longer than 5 pages, and a response to the supplemental question:

To complete an online application, please visit http://www.courts.ca.gov and search for JO#5209.
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.

THE SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Supplemental Questions

To better assess the qualifications of each applicant, we will review your responses to the following questions. Please indicate for which employer you performed these functions. Your answers should not exceed a total of three pages.

Please describe, in some detail, your experience in conducting legal research and writing on complex legal issues, and indicate why you believe your experience and skills qualify you for the position. Also, please explain why you are interested in this position.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Submission deadline: 
Monday, June 15, 2020