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Appellate Attorney Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

LEGAL AID DC

Appellate Advocacy Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

The Fellow provides advice to Legal Aid trial attorneys across units on legal research, writing, and trial strategy for potential appeals and other important or unusual cases. This may include ...

Legal Aid DC

Appellate Advocacy Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

The Fellow provides advice to Legal Aid trial attorneys across units on legal research, writing, and trial strategy for potential appeals and other important or unusual cases. This may include ...

U.S. Courts

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$68K - $187K/yr

Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, has openings for highly qualified attorneys to serve as staff attorneys to the full court. The positions are full-time and for a two-year term. Limited term ...

Latham & Watkins LLP

Appellate Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K/yr

This role will be responsible for providing expertise and support to the departmental attorneys in the Litigation & Trial Department, with a focus on the Supreme Court & Appellate Practice Group ...

Immigrants First PLLC

Immigration Attorney

Manassas, VA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

... Appeals. Salary: $95,000-$125,000 depending on experience. About the Position: You will be ... Additionally, the Attorney represents clients before USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ...

Cair-foundation Inc

Trial Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

Trial Attorney Department: Civil Rights FLSA Status: Exempt Job Reports: Directly to the National ... Involvement in appellate litigation. * Involvement in alternative dispute resolution proceedings ...

Latham & Watkins LLP

Appellate Paralegal

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

This role will be responsible for providing expertise and support to the departmental attorneys in the Litigation & Trial Department, with a focus on the Supreme Court & Appellate Practice Group ...

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All JobsAppellate Attorney JobsAppellate Attorney Jobs in Washington

Appellate Attorney information

See Washington salary details

$56.6K

$136.8K

$218K

How much do appellate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for appellate attorney in Washington is $136,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,500.00 and $156,900.00 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

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

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What cities in Washington are hiring for Appellate Attorney jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Appellate Attorney job openings:

Appellate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Attorney job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 63% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,835 per year, or $65.8 per hour.

Litigation Associate Attorney - Judicial Clerkship Required

Orion Placement

Washington, DC • On-site

$215K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Pay: $215,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

  • Join a highly regarded litigation team handling sophisticated, high stakes disputes with national and global significance.
  • Take on meaningful responsibility and work closely with experienced trial and appellate lawyers.
  • Build your litigation career on complex civil, criminal, regulatory, and appellate matters rather than being limited to routine assignments.
  • Gain exposure to major matters, exceptional mentorship, and a collaborative team environment.
  • Work in a hybrid environment in the heart of Washington, DC.
  • Earn highly competitive compensation and benefits designed to compete with leading large law firms.

Location:

Washington, DC | Hybrid work environment offering the opportunity to collaborate in person while maintaining flexibility.

Note:

To be considered, you must be an actively licensed attorney and have completed a judicial clerkship. Candidates must have 1 to 5 years of relevant associate level legal experience and must submit a resume, cover letter, law school transcript, and writing sample.

About Us

We are a premier litigation focused law firm dedicated to representing clients in complex, consequential disputes across civil, criminal, regulatory, and appellate matters. Our team is built around smart, experienced lawyers who work in focused teams, take ownership, and deliver exceptional advocacy for clients facing their most important challenges. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

  • Represent clients in sophisticated and high stakes litigation matters from early case strategy through resolution.
  • Conduct in depth legal research and prepare persuasive memoranda, briefs, motions, and other written advocacy.
  • Draft and support filings in federal and state courts, arbitral forums, and appellate courts.
  • Assist with discovery strategy, fact development, witness preparation, and case management.
  • Analyze complex legal and factual issues and help develop practical, creative litigation strategies.
  • Work closely with partners and senior attorneys in lean, collaborative teams.
  • Take on increasing responsibility and develop strong courtroom, writing, and advocacy skills.
  • Support matters involving civil disputes, investigations, regulatory issues, and appeals as needed.

Qualifications

  • Active bar license in good standing.
  • Completed judicial clerkship required.
  • 1 to 5 years of relevant attorney or litigation associate experience.
  • Strong legal research, writing, analysis, and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to manage complex assignments with excellent attention to detail.
  • Strong academic credentials and professional judgment.
  • Resume, cover letter, law school transcript, and writing sample required for consideration.

Why You Will Love Working Here

You will have the opportunity to do sophisticated legal work alongside talented attorneys who value intellectual curiosity, excellent advocacy, and results. Our lean team structure gives associates meaningful exposure, responsibility, and mentorship while allowing you to contribute directly to important matters. If you are looking for challenging work, accelerated professional development, and a collaborative environment where your contributions matter, this is an exceptional place to build your litigation career.

JPC-1868

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance