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Appellate Litigation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KELLY, TROTTER & FRANZEN

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APPELLATE-LITIGATION ATTORNEY

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

APPELLATE-LITIGATION ATTORNEY (Downtown Long Beach Office) Kelly, Trotter & Franzen is a law firm specializing in insurance defense and professional liability defense. The firm's range of expertise ...

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Litigation Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$250K - $350K/yr

This opportunity offers exposure to sophisticated litigation matters across multiple industries, including complex commercial disputes, product liability cases, class actions, and appellate ...

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Appellate Litigation information

What is appellate litigation?

Appellate litigation is the process of challenging or defending a decision made by a lower court in a higher court, known as an appellate court. Unlike trial litigation, which focuses on presenting evidence and witness testimony, appellate litigation centers on written briefs and legal arguments about whether the law was properly applied in the original case. Appellate litigators aim to persuade the appellate judges to affirm or reverse the lower court's decision based on legal errors or significant issues of law. The process typically involves reviewing trial records, researching legal precedents, and presenting oral arguments before a panel of judges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in appellate litigation?

To thrive in appellate litigation, you need strong legal research, analytical reasoning, and advanced writing skills, typically supported by a law degree and bar admission. Mastery of legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), familiarity with appellate rules, and prior clerkship experience or specialized certifications are highly valuable. Exceptional oral advocacy, attention to detail, and the ability to think strategically under pressure are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills are essential to craft persuasive arguments, interpret complex legal issues, and achieve favorable outcomes before appellate courts.

What are the main challenges faced by attorneys in appellate litigation, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Attorneys in appellate litigation often face the challenge of mastering complex legal records and crafting persuasive written arguments within strict deadlines. Unlike trial work, this role is highly research-intensive and requires strong analytical skills to identify legal errors and present them clearly to appellate judges. Job seekers can prepare by honing their legal writing abilities, gaining experience with brief writing, and familiarizing themselves with appellate court procedures. Collaborating effectively with trial attorneys and maintaining meticulous attention to detail are also essential for success in this environment.

What is the difference between Appellate Litigation vs Civil Litigation?

AspectAppellate LitigationCivil Litigation
FocusHandling appeals and legal arguments in appellate courtsManaging disputes in trial courts, including pre-trial, trial, and post-trial phases
Work EnvironmentCourts, law firms, or government agencies focusing on appellate courtsCourts, law firms, or corporate legal departments involved in trial proceedings
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor, bar admission, appellate experience often preferredJuris Doctor, bar admission, general litigation experience

Appellate Litigation specialists focus on appeals and legal arguments in appellate courts, while Civil Litigation professionals handle disputes in trial courts. Both roles require a law degree and bar admission, but their work environments and case focus differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Appellate Litigation jobs in California?

For Appellate Litigation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Appellate Litigation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Appellate Litigation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Appellate Litigation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Appellate Litigation job openings:

Appellate Litigation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appellate Litigation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

APPELLATE-LITIGATION ATTORNEY

KELLY, TROTTER & FRANZEN

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

APPELLATE-LITIGATION ATTORNEY

(Downtown Long Beach Office)

 

Kelly, Trotter & Franzen is a law firm specializing in insurance defense and professional liability defense. The firm’s range of expertise includes many related legal fields including medical malpractice, business litigation, health care law, legal malpractice defense, product liability, and managed care issues.

The firm has a robust appellate practice and is seeking to add an attorney with interest in appellate practice.

Qualified candidates must have 3-10 years of civil defense litigation experience, preferably including medical malpractice. Experience as a judicial law clerk or research attorney preferred.

Applicants should have an interest in appellate law, with litigation experience and be prepared to assume an active case load. The appellate support may include issues involving all aspects of litigation, issues arising from discovery and depositions, law and motion, and trial support. The role will involve client reporting. We are seeking attorneys who are analytical, proactive, willing to work hard and possess strong legal research and writing skills.

Two writing samples are required.

The firm offers a competitive salary, as well as a dynamic, challenging, and collegial work environment. We also offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, along with paid parking, flexible spending account and 401(k) plan.

Company Description

Our law firm specializes in insurance defense and professional liability defense. The firm’s range of expertise includes many related legal fields including medical malpractice, business litigation, health care law, legal malpractice defense, product liability and managed care issues.

The firm offers a competitive salary, as well as a dynamic, challenging, and collegial work environment. We also offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, along with paid parking, a flexible spending account and 401(k) plan.