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Appellate Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NACBA

Appellate Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site

Position Overview The Appellate Attorney will be responsible for handling appellate matters in Texas state and federal courts, including researching and analyzing complex legal issues, preparing ...

NACBA

Position Overview The Appellate Attorney will be responsible for handling appellate matters in Texas state and federal courts, including researching and analyzing complex legal issues, preparing ...

State Bar of Texas

Appellate Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site

Position Overview The Appellate Attorney will be responsible for handling appellate matters in Texas state and federal courts, including researching and analyzing complex legal issues, preparing ...

Lewis Brisbois

Appellate Attorney

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$220K/yr

The attorneys who comprise Lewis Brisbois' national Appellate Practice handle matters in federal and state courts coast-to-coast, including in the Supreme Court of the United States. These ...

Lewis Brisbois

Appellate Attorney

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$135K - $220K/yr

The attorneys who comprise Lewis Brisbois' national Appellate Practice handle matters in federal and state courts coast-to-coast, including in the Supreme Court of the United States. These ...

Lewis Brisbois

Appellate Attorney

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$175K/yr

The attorneys who comprise Lewis Brisbois' national Appellate Practice handle matters in federal and state courts coast-to-coast, including in the Supreme Court of the United States. These ...

Lewis Brisbois

Appellate Attorney

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$220K/yr

The attorneys who comprise Lewis Brisbois' national Appellate Practice handle matters in federal and state courts coast-to-coast, including in the Supreme Court of the United States. These ...

Lewis-Brisbois

Appellate Attorney

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$175K/yr

The attorneys who comprise Lewis Brisbois' national Appellate Practice handle matters in federal and state courts coast-to-coast, including in the Supreme Court of the United States. These ...

Lewis Brisbois

Appellate Attorney

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$135K - $220K/yr

The attorneys who comprise Lewis Brisbois' national Appellate Practice handle matters in federal and state courts coast-to-coast, including in the Supreme Court of the United States. These ...

NJ CURE

Appellate Attorney

Southfield, MI · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Appellate Attorney CURE Auto Insurance is a leading direct writer of auto insurance in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. CURE offers a great working environment, competitive salary, and a ...

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 Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do appellate lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for appellate lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an appellate lawyer do?

An appellate lawyer specializes in handling cases on appeal, which means they review and challenge decisions made by trial courts. Their primary job is to analyze trial records, research legal precedents, draft written briefs, and present oral arguments before appellate courts. Unlike trial lawyers, appellate lawyers rarely deal with witnesses or evidence; instead, they focus on legal arguments and errors that may have occurred during the trial. Their expertise is crucial in persuading higher courts to uphold or overturn lower court decisions.

How does the work of an appellate lawyer differ from that of a trial lawyer in terms of daily responsibilities?

Appellate lawyers primarily focus on reviewing trial records, researching complex legal issues, and drafting persuasive legal briefs rather than gathering evidence or presenting cases before a jury. Their daily work involves analyzing the legal errors that may have occurred during trial and preparing arguments for appellate courts. They also frequently collaborate with clients and trial attorneys to identify potential grounds for appeal, and may participate in oral arguments before appellate judges. This role demands strong written advocacy and analytical skills, as well as the ability to synthesize large volumes of case law and procedural rules.

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

To thrive as an Appellate Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep expertise in legal research, writing, and oral argument. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with case management software, are typically essential. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persuasive communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities are crucial for crafting compelling appellate briefs and effectively advocating for clients in higher courts.

What is the difference between Appellate Lawyer vs Litigation Lawyer?

AspectAppellate LawyerLitigation Lawyer
CredentialsJuris Doctor, bar admission, appellate specializationJuris Doctor, bar admission, litigation experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, law firms, government agenciesCourts, law firms, corporate legal departments
Employer & IndustryLaw firms, government, judiciaryLaw firms, corporations, government agencies

Appellate Lawyers focus on handling appeals and legal arguments in appellate courts, requiring specialized appellate law knowledge. Litigation Lawyers manage the entire trial process, including pre-trial, trial, and post-trial phases. While both roles require a Juris Doctor and bar admission, appellate lawyers concentrate on appellate procedures, whereas litigation lawyers handle broader courtroom litigation. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right legal expert for their case needs.

Do appellate lawyers make a lot of money?

Appellate lawyers can earn high salaries, especially those working in large firms or with extensive experience. Salaries vary based on location, firm size, and expertise, with experienced appellate attorneys often earning six-figure incomes or more.

How do you become an appellate lawyer?

To become an appellate lawyer, one typically completes a bachelor's degree followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After passing the bar exam, gaining experience in litigation and appellate practice is essential, often through working as a trial lawyer or in a legal research role, and developing strong writing and analytical skills. Specializing in appellate law may also involve additional training or certification in appellate advocacy.

What does it mean to be an appellate lawyer?

An appellate lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in handling appeals, reviewing cases to challenge or defend trial court decisions. They analyze legal issues, draft appellate briefs, and present oral arguments in appellate courts to seek case reversals or affirmations. This role requires strong research, writing skills, and knowledge of appellate procedure and relevant laws.
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What states have the most Appellate Lawyer jobs?

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Appellate Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Lawyer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Criminal Appellate Defense Attorney (Appeals)

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Central California Appellate Program
See more jobs at Central California Appellate Programexternal

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Central California Appellate Program (CCAP) is seeking an experienced criminal appellate attorney interested in assisting court-appointed counsel of all levels who represent indigent defendants on appeal. (More detailed information about our organization is available at www.capcentral.org.) We offer a hybrid work environment but will consider a fully remote schedule under exceptional circumstances.
Job Responsibilities
  • Train and guide a panel of private attorneys appointed by the Third and Fifth District Courts of Appeal to provide counsel to indigent clients
  • Provide the Third and Fifth District Courts of Appeal with administrative services related to court appointed cases
  • Publish articles to train new and experienced attorneys on legal basics and evolving areas in criminal law
  • Develop resources and MCLE training for the criminal defense community
  • Represent clients directly on appeal on a select basis
Ideal Candidate
  • Has a demonstrated interest in criminal defense
  • Has experience researching and writing at the appellate level
  • Communicates respectfully and professionally with colleagues, support staff, panel attorneys, court personnel, opposing counsel, and trial attorneys 
  • Has ability to manage a wide variety of projects with attention to detail
  • Is proficient with video conferencing applications (such as Zoom), and reviewing documents in electronic form