Closing Date: 24th May, 2024
Description:
Overview:The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One, located in downtown San Diego, 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 court's central staff. The court values diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Working as a central staff 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. An appellate court attorney must have superior legal research and writing skills and the ability to present a statement of facts, law and argument clearly, concisely and logically in written form.
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 direction and approval of the justice or supervisor.
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:
Central Staff Attorney
Duties of a central staff attorney include thoroughly analyzing and discussing legal issues, drafting proposed opinions, analyzing motions, and performing other legal duties in assigned cases at the direction of one of the court's ten justices, on a rotating basis. 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.
A
central staff attorney may also perform other tasks, such as assisting
the writs department, reviewing civil case information statements, and
reviewing and analyzing motions, as assigned. An appropriate candidate
must be able to work independently, perform assigned duties efficiently
and manage a large and diverse number of responsibilities. The attorney
must be able to organize his or her own work, set priorities, and meet
critical deadlines. The ability to interact courteously and
professionally with justices and court staff is also required.
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.
In
addition to the foregoing minimum qualifications, a candidate with at
least three years' experience as a judicial staff attorney, as an
appellate practitioner, or in a position involving a comparable legal
writing and analysis focus and the exercise of adjudicatory (as opposed
to solely advocacy) skills is desirable. A broad and practical knowledge
of the law, familiarity with appellate practice, mature and sound
judgment and the ability to work cooperatively with others are also
important, as is the ability to accept editing of one's work product.
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.
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.
