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Appellate Attorney Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Washington County

Prosecuting Attorney

Saint George, UT · On-site

$104K - $140K/yr

JOB OPENING FOR A Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney FOR THE Washington County Attorney's Office ... Represent the State through hearings, trials, sentencing, and appeals. * Work closely with law ...

Washington County

Prosecuting Attorney

Saint George, UT · On-site

$104K - $140K/yr

JOB OPENING FOR ADeputy County Prosecuting Attorney FOR THEWashington County Attorney's OfficeFULL ... Represent the State through hearings, trials, sentencing, and appeals.Work closely with law ...

Stoel

Mid-Level Trademark Associate

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$193K - $295K/yr

... includes attorneys with experience in business, regulatory law, and litigation related to ... Support Trademark Trial and Appeal Board opposition, cancellation, and appeal proceedings * Counsel ...

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Appellate Attorney information

See Utah salary details

$45.5K

$110K

$175.2K

How much do appellate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for appellate attorney in Utah is $109,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,600.00 and $126,100.00 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 Utah?

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

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

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

What cities in Utah are hiring for Appellate Attorney jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Appellate Attorney job openings:

Appellate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Attorney job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,987 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Appeals - Post Conviction

Salt Lake City, UT

Utah Division of Human Resource Management
See more jobs at Utah Division of Human Resource Managementexternal

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Appeals - Post Conviction

The Utah Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Division is hiring an Assistant Solicitor General to work in its postconviction section.  This is a unique practice that spans both criminal and civil trial courts, as well as state and federal appeals.  Ideal candidates will possess intellectual rigor and be capable of working independently on matters requiring long-term strategy.
This position handles a mix of cases at all levels of state and federal courts with significant responsibility and autonomy.  This includes trial level matters in state postconviction and federal habeas corpus proceedings, as well as appeals in those matters up through both the Utah and United States Supreme Courts; consulting with prosecutors statewide on death penalty and other felony prosecutions; and assisting prosecutors in evidentiary hearings challenging the effective assistance of trial counsel. This position includes defending valid death sentences, and incumbents must be willing to work on these high profile, high stakes matters.  Excellent written and oral advocacy skills are necessary.  
This position requires a broad skill set that includes criminal litigation, civil litigation, appeals, and postconviction litigation.  The Division recognizes that few candidates will have deep experience in all of these areas, but significant experience in one or more is preferred, along with a desire to do the highest quality work.  The Division encourages litigators with an interest in public service and a desire to develop expertise across these disciplines to apply.
Incumbents must either practice law as an active member of the Utah State Bar in good standing or be sworn into the Utah State Bar within the probationary period.  Third year law students may apply, but offers will be contingent of the successful candidate passing the Utah State Bar within one year from the hire date. Some travel is required as incumbents will need to represent the State in criminal litigation, civil litigation and other legal proceedings throughout the State.

Responsibilities

  • Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
  • Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions.
  • Writes or drafts appellate briefs, dispositive motions, correspondence, documents and/or other written materials.
  • Receives, researches and responds to incoming questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedures, and/or facilitates a resolution.
  • Represents the state or the employing agency in lawsuits, grievances, negotiations, complaints and/or other matters.
  • Drafts working documents; prepares documents consisting of concise decisions based upon facts of case interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
  • Represents the State in state and federal appellate courts.
  • May be required to travel to various court locations and stay overnight.

Apply