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$34.5K

$95.4K

$182K

How much do appellate division jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for appellate division in the United States is $95,388.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Appellate Division?

The Appellate Division is a part of the judiciary system, typically within a state's Supreme Court, that reviews decisions made by lower courts. Its main function is to determine whether the law was applied correctly in previous trials and hearings. Judges in the Appellate Division do not conduct new trials or hear new evidence; instead, they focus on legal arguments and the interpretation of laws. Their rulings can affirm, reverse, or modify lower court decisions, and they play a crucial role in shaping legal precedents.

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

To thrive as an Appellate Division attorney, you need strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, typically supported by a law degree and bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with case management systems are essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and persuasive communication are key soft skills for crafting compelling legal arguments and collaborating with colleagues. These skills ensure the effective analysis and presentation of complex legal issues, which is crucial for success in appellate litigation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the Appellate Division, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in the Appellate Division often face the challenge of handling complex legal issues and large volumes of case law, which require excellent research and analytical skills. Managing tight deadlines while preparing detailed briefs and oral arguments is also a common hurdle. To effectively manage these challenges, it’s important to maintain strong organizational skills, collaborate closely with colleagues for peer reviews, and stay updated on evolving legal precedents. Regular team meetings and continuous legal education can further support professional growth and effective case management.

What is the difference between Appellate Division vs Court Clerk?

AspectAppellate DivisionCourt Clerk
Required credentialsLegal education, bar admission, appellate experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent, administrative skills
Work environmentCourts, legal offices, appellate courtsCourtrooms, administrative offices, legal settings
Employer and industry usageState and federal appellate courtsCourts at various levels, government agencies
Common search and comparison intentLegal professionals, law students, job seekersAdministrative staff, legal support roles

The Appellate Division primarily involves handling appeals, requiring legal expertise and courtroom experience. In contrast, Court Clerks focus on administrative support within courts, managing case files and court procedures. Both roles are essential in the judicial system but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Appellate Division jobs

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

The top searched job categories for Appellate Division jobs are:

Appellate Division jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Division job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,388 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Assistant Attorney General - Appellate

State of South Dakota

Pierre, SD • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

State Of South Dakota rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 50 rated states

Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 37387
Agency: Office of the Attorney General
Location:Pierre, SD
Salary: $85,000 - $115, 000 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: L1 - L2
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
This is a full-time position with the Office of the Attorney General. For more information on the Office of the Attorney General, please visit http://atg.sd.gov.
The Office of Attorney General has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) in our Appellate Division. This position presents an unmatched opportunity to brief and argue cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court, United States District Court, and Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The attorney chosen for this spot will represent the state in criminal appeals, habeas cases, and as a prosecutor for various state licensing boards. The position's primary duties include researching for and writing appellate briefs and orally arguing cases. AAGs in South Dakota have diverse opportunities attorneys cannot find elsewhere in the state, without the stress of billable hours, and with the benefit of a collaborative, friendly work environment.
MENTORSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The office is committed to developing top-notch attorneys. The attorney in this position will receive hands-on experience, direct mentoring from senior attorneys, occasions to work on diverse and evolving caseloads, paid training opportunities, and exposure to complex legal and evidentiary issues.
OFFICE LOCATION
The Appellate Division is headquartered in Pierre-the "best place to live" in South Dakota according to USA Today in 2018. Pierre is a safe, tight-knit community with over 350 acres of parks, serene landscapes, highly rated restaurants, water and dog parks, friendly people, and an affordable cost of living. A highly experienced applicant may have the possibility to work from a branch office location.
STARTING SALARY
Salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $115,000 annually, depending on experience. On top of a set salary, the State of South Dakota has an exceptional benefit package including retirement, health insurance, paid leave, and paid training opportunities. More information on our benefits package can be found at: http://bhr.sd.gov.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have a juris doctorate from an accredited law school, be licensed to practice law in South Dakota or can promptly obtain licensure, and have excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills. Assistant Attorneys General must uphold the highest degrees of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume containing three references, and a writing sample.
Submit application materials to Sarah L. Thorne, Appellate Division Chief, Sarah.Thorne@state.sd.us or online at https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4RO.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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