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Appellate Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Center for Food Safety

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

CFS Staff Attorneys develop and prosecute precedent-setting cases in furtherance of CFS ... appeals, amicus briefs, settlement, and fee recovery. * Lead the factual development for and ...

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Appellate Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$52.9K

$127.7K

$203.5K

How much do appellate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for appellate attorney in Oregon is $127,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $146,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an appellate attorney?

An Appellate Attorney is a lawyer who specializes in handling cases on appeal, rather than at trial. Their primary role is to review trial records, identify legal errors, and craft persuasive written briefs to present before appellate courts. They may also deliver oral arguments to judges, advocating for their client's position and seeking to overturn or uphold lower court decisions. Appellate attorneys must possess strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, as their work often involves complex legal issues and precedent. They play a crucial role in shaping the development of the law through appellate court decisions.

What does an appellate attorney do?

An appellate attorney works on cases that are being appealed, or which have received an unfavorable ruling in lower courts. As an appellate attorney, your responsibilities are to research and analyze prior court cases, then draft legal briefs to justify the claim for an appeal. Your duties are to present a court case and persuade a judge to reconsider the ruling of a lower court. As part of the federal or state government, an appellate attorney defends public interest from potentially unfavorable court decisions. Privately, you appeal rulings on behalf of your clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an appellate attorney?

To thrive as an Appellate Attorney, you need strong legal research, analytical thinking, and written advocacy skills, typically supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis) and experience with electronic filing systems are important technical requirements. Exceptional attention to detail, persuasive communication, and the ability to synthesize complex legal issues are critical soft skills. These competencies are vital for crafting compelling appellate briefs, understanding nuanced legal arguments, and achieving successful outcomes for clients in higher courts.

What are some common challenges faced by appellate attorneys in managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Appellate attorneys often handle several cases at once, each with its own deadlines and complex legal issues. Balancing the preparation of briefs, oral arguments, and in-depth legal research requires strong organizational skills and careful time management. A key challenge is prioritizing tasks while maintaining the high quality of written arguments, as appeals frequently involve strict procedural rules and detailed analysis. Collaborating with trial attorneys and clients to gather records and clarify factual backgrounds is also essential to building persuasive appeals.

What is the difference between Appellate Attorney vs Litigation Attorney?

AspectAppellate AttorneyLitigation Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, appellate specializationJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, trial and litigation experience
Work EnvironmentResearch, legal writing, appellate court proceedingsCourtroom appearances, client interactions, trial preparation
Employer & IndustryLaw firms, government agencies, appellate courtsLaw firms, corporations, government agencies, trial courts

Appellate Attorneys focus on handling appeals, legal research, and writing for appellate courts, while Litigation Attorneys manage trials, client advocacy, and courtroom proceedings. Both roles require legal credentials and are integral to the legal process, but they differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

More about Appellate Attorney jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Appellate Attorney jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Appellate Attorney jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Appellate Attorney jobs in Oregon?

For Appellate Attorney jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Appellate Attorney jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Appellate Attorney jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Appellate Attorney jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Appellate Attorney job openings:

Appellate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Attorney job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $127,736 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Supreme Court & Appellate Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Portland, OR

$260K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Supreme Court & Appellate Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Supreme Court & Appellate Associate Attorney to join a leading global law firm and its nationally recognized Supreme Court & Appellate practice.

Locations

Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; Irvine, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Menlo Park, CA; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; San Francisco, CA; Santa Monica, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, D.C.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have exceptional legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills and a strong interest in complex appellate litigation. The practice handles high-profile appeals before courts at every level, including the U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts of appeals, and state appellate courts, as well as significant trial-level matters involving appellate strategy and issue preservation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney interested in working on bet-the-company and industry-changing appeals alongside highly accomplished appellate lawyers in a collegial, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct sophisticated legal research and analysis involving complex legal issues.
  • Draft appellate briefs, motions, petitions, memoranda, and other legal filings.
  • Assist with appeals before the U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts of appeals, and state appellate courts.
  • Develop and evaluate legal arguments and appellate strategies.
  • Support high-stakes litigation matters involving key trial-level motions and issue preservation.
  • Assist with complex and industry-changing appellate matters.
  • Collaborate with partners and associates on significant litigation and appellate matters.
  • Communicate complex legal concepts effectively through written and oral advocacy.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented practice focused on delivering exceptional client service.
Qualifications
  • Judicial clerkship experience preferred, particularly with a federal or state appellate court.
  • Exceptional legal research and writing skills.
  • Excellent oral advocacy, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Strong academic credentials.
  • Highly motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented.
  • Ability to manage complex assignments and work effectively in a team environment.
  • J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Admission to the state bar in the office where the candidate will be based, or eligibility for prompt admission.
Compensation

$260,000–$390,000 annually, depending on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, expertise, and geography. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary merit bonus.

Application Requirements

Candidates should be prepared to submit a resume, J.D. transcript, and cover letter.