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Appellate Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aionios LLC

Appellate Associate

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside highly regarded appellate attorneys on sophisticated matters involving complex legal research, briefing, and oral advocacy. What You'll Work On:

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Appellate Attorney information

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$50K

$120.8K

$192.5K

How much do appellate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for appellate attorney in the United States is $120,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $138,500.00 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.
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Appellate Attorney jobs near you

Associate Attorney - Appellate - Hybrid

Kahana and Feld LLP

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Build your career in litigation with Kahana Feld, a National Law Journal 500 firm, where legal professionals can have fulfilling careers. We have immediate openings for skilled Appellate Attorneys, with at least three years of experience, in any of our California offices.
We are seeking attorneys that are looking for an opportunity to:
  • Work with great attorneys at a firm that prides itself on having a great culture.
  • Benefit from our dedicated training and development team to enhance your legal skills and receive mentoring.
  • Contribute to an inclusive environment fundamentally built on respect for all team members and where mentorship and a positive culture are a priority.
  • Develop your career and make a difference in the world.

KF was recognized as a 2026 Top Workplace and awarded the Gold DEI Leadership Seal from the State Bar of California. Here are a few of the many things that make KF a great firm:
  • Excellent benefits (including recently added Paid Parental Leave).
  • Flexible PTO.
  • Leadership positions are open to all attorneys in every office.
  • Realistic partnership and equity partnership track. All KF attorneys are eligible for partnership, both equity and non-equity. Promotion is based on your ability to do great work and fit our culture, and not on business development.

REQUIREMENTS
  • At least 3 years of civil litigation experience, preferably with appellate experience.
  • Excellent references and a record of job stability.
  • Member of the California bar in good standing.

KF offers competitive base compensation from $150,000 - $200,000 plus discretionary and hours based bonuses.
This organization participates in E-Verify.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Kahana Feld provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary Description
$150,000 - $200,000

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