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Appellate Brief Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Appeals Bureau seeks a highly skilled Appellate Brief Writer to provide substantive legal ... The successful candidate will independently manage substantive research and writing assignments ...

The Appeals Bureau seeks a highly skilled Appellate Brief Writer to provide substantive legal ... The successful candidate will independently manage substantive research and writing assignments ...

Appellate Brief Writer

Bronx, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Appeals Bureau seeks a highly skilled Appellate Brief Writer to provide substantive legal ... The successful candidate will independently manage substantive research and writing assignments ...

Senior Litigation Attorney

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Serious appellate work. The team handles matters before the Second Circuit and other appellate bodies, offering the kind of substantive brief-writing and oral argument experience that's harder to ...

Appellate brief writing experience or exposure to appellate briefs (i.e., if clerking for a judge). * Oral argument experience or exposure to oral argument (i.e., if clerking for a judge). Minimum ...

Appellate brief writing experience or exposure to appellate briefs (i.e., if clerking for a judge). * Oral argument experience or exposure to oral argument (i.e., if clerking for a judge). Minimum ...

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Appellate Brief Writing information

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How much do appellate brief writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for appellate brief writing in the United States is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is appellate brief writing?

An Appellate Brief Writing job involves drafting legal documents that present arguments for appeals cases. Lawyers or legal writers research case law, statutes, and precedents to craft persuasive briefs for higher courts. This requires strong legal analysis, concise writing, and attention to procedural rules. Appellate brief writers may work for law firms, government agencies, or independently.

What are the primary responsibilities and challenges faced in appellate brief writing?

As an appellate brief writer, your main responsibility is to analyze trial records, identify legal issues, and draft persuasive briefs for higher courts. You will work closely with trial attorneys to develop compelling arguments and ensure that all filings comply with applicable appellate rules and deadlines. Common challenges include distilling complex facts into clear arguments, addressing intricate legal standards, and managing time-sensitive workloads. Collaboration with law firms or in-house teams is frequent, making strong organizational and communication skills essential. Gaining experience in this role can also open pathways to senior legal writing positions, appellate advocacy, or judicial clerkships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in appellate brief writing, and why are they important?

To excel in Appellate Brief Writing, you need advanced legal research and writing skills, a deep understanding of appellate procedure, and typically, a Juris Doctor degree with bar admission. Familiarity with legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in citation tools such as The Bluebook are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities are critical for crafting persuasive, accurate briefs that adhere to strict court standards and support successful appeals.

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What cities are hiring for Appellate Brief Writing jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Appellate Brief Writing jobs?

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What states have the most Appellate Brief Writing jobs?

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Infographic showing various Appellate Brief Writing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,401 per year, or $31 per hour.

$72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
The Bronx District Attorney's Office is seeking well-qualified staff whose diverse backgrounds reflect an ability to serve the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community and pursue a safer Bronx through fair justice. The Appeals Bureau seeks a highly skilled Appellate Brief Writer to provide substantive legal research, writing, and litigation support under the supervision of an Assistant District Attorney. This experienced-level position is designed for exceptional writers and critical thinkers who can analyze complex legal and factual issues and produce clear, persuasive written advocacy.
The successful candidate will independently manage substantive research and writing assignments, prepare comprehensive drafts of appellate briefs and other legal documents, and support specialized appellate and post-conviction litigation. Candidates from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply; legal education and New York Bar admission are not required.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specific duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Draft appellate briefs, motion responses, memoranda, and other substantive legal documents under the supervision of an Assistant District Attorney.
  • Assist attorneys with all aspects of filing motions and briefs, such as proofreading, cite-checking, and generating tables of contents and tables of authorities.
  • Conduct legal and legislative history research using Westlaw and other resources.
  • Format and prepare documents for filing in compliance with court rules and bureau guidelines.
  • Maintain digital files and case tracking databases.
  • Coordinate aspects of federal habeas corpus litigation, including case tracking and record preparation.
  • Coordinate and manage the Appeals Bureau's moot court schedule.
  • Provide litigation support to Assistant District Attorneys in appellate, post-conviction, and related matters.
  • Fulfil defense requests for exhibits.
  • Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or J.D., LL.B., LL.M., or comparable legal degree and demonstrated superior analytical and persuasive writing skills
  • Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise, well-organized, and compelling written work.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting research and analyzing complex records, source materials, legal authorities, or other information.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and superb organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage writing assignments, exercise sound judgment, and meet competing deadlines.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and legal research platforms such as Westlaw or Lexis, or demonstrated ability to develop proficiency with legal research tools quickly.

BENEFITS:
Benefits include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; pre-tax health, dependent care, and transit spending account options; annual and sick leave; deferred compensation; membership in the NYC Employees' Retirement System pension plan; and additional employee benefits.
APPLICATION:
To apply, please click below. Please include your cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample with your application. Upon your completion, we will review your application and contact you if you are selected for an interview. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Legal Recruitment & Retention at 718-590-2258 or via email at LegalRecruitment@bronxda.nyc.gov.
We appreciate your interest in a position with the Bronx District Attorney's Office.
**LOAN FORGIVENESS: The federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLF) to all qualifying public service employees. Working with Bronx District Attorney's Office qualifies you as a public service employee and you may be able to take advantage of this program while working full-time and meeting the program's other requirements. Please visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site to view the eligibility requirements: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.