The Orange County Superior Court was established in 1893 and maintains jurisdiction over a wide range of matters, with our flagship location being the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, with additional courthouses located in Orange (Lamoreaux), Newport Beach (Harbor), Fullerton (North), and Westminster (West), as the fifth-largest trial court in the United States and the third-largest court of general jurisdiction in California. They have more than 140 judicial officers and over 1,500 staff with an operating budget of nearly $280 million.

Appellate Division Research Attorneys work under the direction of the Appellate Panel Judges and General Counsel and report to the Supervising Research Attorney. Responsibilities include researching civil and criminal legal issues; reviewing writs, appellate briefs, trial records, and other case materials; and drafting clear, concise memoranda and proposed opinions. Attorneys attend case conferences and oral arguments and make timely recommendations on matters before the court.

The position requires strong analytical, research, writing, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to incorporate feedback and revise work effectively. Candidates must be self-directed, manage a high-volume workload under short deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and perform their duties with the highest integrity.

BAR MEMBERSHIP
Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
 
EXPERIENCE
At least three (3) years of post-California Bar appellate law experience or experience as an appellate judicial staff attorney, or comparable position is required.
 
WRITING SAMPLE
Applicants must submit a self-edited writing sample with their application.  A preferable writing sample consists of an appellate specific brief directed to an appellate division or appellate panel. 
 
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five (5) years of experience practicing in one or more of the following areas:
  1. Appellate practitioner, an appellate judicial staff attorney, or comparable position emphasizing legal writing and analysis 
  2. Familiarity with appellate practice and writ practice and procedures
• Proficiency in online and windows-based legal research applications, as well as in using MS Word and Adobe Acrobat.
• Excellent research and writing skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently on a wide variety of legal issues of varied complexity, to effectively manage one's time in order to meet stringent time constraints, and to interact professionally with Judicial Officers, colleagues, and court staff.

Annual salary range with benefits: $129,313.60 - $164,777.60.

Deadline to apply is September 13, 2026.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and submit your application.