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Appellate Clerk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The State of Arizona

Board of Appeals Clerk

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Board of Appeals Clerk Apply now Job No: 543308 Work Type: Full-time Location: PHOENIX Categories: Administrative Support/Customer Service, Real Estate and Land Management LAND DEPARTMENT Since its ...

State of Florida

CLERK - DISTRICT COURT

Miami, FL · On-site

$163K/yr

Miami, FL Salary Range $163,956.60 The duties of the district court of appeal clerk are delineated by article V, section 4(c) of the Florida Constitution, sections 35.22 through 35.24 of the Florida ...

Aionios LLC

Appellate Associate

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

Appellate Associate Location: Tallahassee, FL Experience: 2-3 years Our client, an Am Law 200 full ... Federal clerkship experience highly preferred * JD from an ABA-accredited law school * Active ...

Latham & Watkins

Appellate Paralegal

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Interfacing with clerk's offices at federal and state appellate courts * Performing administrative tasks related to the proper functioning of a partner's litigation and trial practice, including ...

New

Latham & Watkins LLP

Appellate Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K/yr

Interfacing with clerk's offices at federal and state appellate courts * Performing administrative tasks related to the proper functioning of a partner's litigation and trial practice, including ...

Latham & Watkins

Appellate Paralegal

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Interfacing with clerk's offices at federal and state appellate courts * Performing administrative tasks related to the proper functioning of a partner's litigation and trial practice, including ...

New

Latham & Watkins LLP

Appellate Paralegal

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Interfacing with clerk's offices at federal and state appellate courts * Performing administrative tasks related to the proper functioning of a partner's litigation and trial practice, including ...

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Appellate Clerk information

What is an appellate clerk?

Appellate Clerks are legal professionals who assist judges in appellate courts by researching legal issues, reviewing case records, drafting opinions, and preparing memoranda. Their work ensures that judges have all the necessary information to make informed decisions on appeals. Appellate Clerks typically review briefs submitted by parties, check citations, and help clarify complex legal arguments. This role is crucial for the smooth operation of the appeals process, and it often serves as a valuable stepping stone for law graduates pursuing careers in law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an appellate clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Appellate Clerk, you need strong legal research and writing skills, attention to detail, and typically a law degree or significant legal coursework. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in case management systems, are commonly required. Excellent organization, time management, and communication skills help in managing multiple cases and interacting with judges and attorneys. These abilities ensure the accurate preparation and review of legal documents, which is critical for the smooth operation of appellate courts.

What are some common challenges faced by an appellate clerk, and how can they be managed effectively?

Appellate Clerks often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling complex legal documentation, and ensuring accuracy in record-keeping. Balancing multiple cases and prioritizing tasks efficiently are essential skills, as the workload can fluctuate with the court’s docket. Strong organizational habits, clear communication with judges and attorneys, and attention to detail are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining a smooth appellate process.

What is the difference between Appellate Clerk vs Court Clerk?

AspectAppellate ClerkCourt Clerk
Required CredentialsTypically a law degree or legal backgroundHigh school diploma or associate degree often sufficient
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, appellate courts, judicial chambersCourtrooms, clerk's offices, administrative areas
Employer & IndustryJudicial system, appellate courts, government agenciesCourts, government agencies, legal institutions
Common Search & ComparisonAppellate Clerk vs Court Clerk

While both roles support the judicial process, an Appellate Clerk focuses on legal research, case analysis, and supporting appellate court proceedings, often requiring legal education. A Court Clerk handles administrative tasks, manages court records, and assists with courtroom operations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within the legal system.

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What job categories do people searching Appellate Clerk jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Appellate Clerk jobs are:

Appellate Clerk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Clerk job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Appeals Unit Law Clerk

Federal Public Defender

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The writs and appeals unit of the Federal Public Defender for the Central District represents indigent criminal defendants in their appeals to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, and in collateral litigation in federal district court. If you are interested in working in appellate criminal defense, we have unpaid, full-time summer clerkships available for up to two law students.
For ten weeks, the clerks will work closely with appellate lawyers at our downtown L.A. office on many aspects of their work-reviewing records and brainstorming issues for appeal, drafting memos on potential appeal issues, developing appellate strategy in communication with clients, and potentially drafting sections of appellate briefs. You'll also get a chance to talk to incarcerated clients about their appeals and participate in moots for Ninth Circuit arguments. Through it all, you'll get both informal training through attorney mentors and more formal training through sessions offered to all of the office's summer clerks.Time Commitment
Summer appellate clerks are expected to volunteer for 40 hours a week for ten weeks. If you wish to participate in the program for fewer than ten weeks, please describe your availability in the cover letter submitted with your application.Qualifications
Applicants to the program must be attending an accredited law school. The program seeks applicants with strong written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated interest in indigent defense.Obtaining School Credit
Many law schools will award academic credit to participants in the law clerk program. The requirements and procedures vary depending upon the specific school's guidelines. You would be responsible for coordinating between your school and our office to ensure that any paperwork and other requirements are met.How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, writing sample, and unofficial transcript at Current Openings - FPDCDCA.For the summer program: Direct applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of the last day in January. We recommend that you submit your materials as early as possible.
The Federal Public Defender's Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.

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