ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Appellate Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Orange County, NC

Staff Attorney*

NC · On-site

$59K - $68K/yr

County Attorney Opening Date: 07/16/2026 Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern General ... Drafts accurate and timely legal documents including, but not limited to appeals, affidavits ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Apex, NC · Hybrid

Participate in opposition and appeal proceedings at the EPO * Conducting freedom to operate studies ... patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have technical competences in the field of ...

CGAVERY

Family Law Attorney - Partner Level

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... appeal when appropriate. * Develop case strategies that balance each client's legal, financial ... Collaborate with attorneys across the firm when family law matters intersect with business, tax ...

New

AVE Staffing

Commercial Litigation Associate

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$160K - $185K/yr

Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney Location: Raleigh, NC (On-site / Hybrid) Salary: $160,000 ... Draft pleadings, administrative appeals, comprehensive summary judgment motions, and critical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAppellate Attorney JobsAppellate Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Appellate Attorney information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$48.6K

$117.4K

$187.1K

How much do appellate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for appellate attorney in Raleigh, NC is $117,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,400.00 and $134,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Appellate Attorney, and why are they important?

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.
More about Appellate Attorney jobs
What are popular job titles related to Appellate Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Appellate Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Appellate Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Appellate Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Appellate Attorney jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Appellate Attorney job openings:
Appellate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Attorney job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, 33% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,435 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Federal & State Criminal Defense Attorney

Guirguis Law PA

Raleigh, NC

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

 Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Location: North Carolina (with minor travel throughout the state)
Firm: Guirguis Law, Federal Criminal Defense Team
Practice Area: Federal Criminal Defense & Post-Conviction Relief
Position Summary:
Guirguis Law is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Federal Attorney to join our growing Federal & State Criminal Defense Team. This role focuses on handling federal criminal matters and post-conviction relief, including compassionate release motions and appellate advocacy before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with all stages of federal criminal defense, including:
    • Reviewing discovery and evidence
    • Drafting and filing pretrial motions
    • Preparing for trial and hearings
    • Advising and interviewing clients
    • Supporting lead counsel in court appearances
  • Handle compassionate release and federal appeals
  • Conduct legal research and draft high-quality briefs and memoranda
  • Maintain organized caseload and meet tight deadlines under supervision and independently
Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Licensed to practice law in North Carolina or eligible for immediate licensure
  • Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills are essential
  • Courtroom experience preferred 
  • Prior experience or internships in criminal defense, public defender’s office, or prosecutor’s office is a plus
  • Must be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing a heavy caseload
  • Willingness to travel occasionally within North Carolina
What We Offer:

  • Opportunity to work on high-impact federal cases
  • Supportive and experienced legal team environment
  • Growth potential within a respected federal defense firm
  • Competitive compensation and benefits