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Federal Appellate Attorney 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

$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 · 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 · 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 ... federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment ...

Federal Public Defender

$76K - $180K/yr

Our attorneys engage in thoughtful, rigorous advocacy supported by experienced investigators ... subject line, " Assistant Federal Defender (Appellate) - Position Announcement 26-11

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Federal Appellate Attorney information

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$50K

$120.8K

$192.5K

How much do federal appellate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal appellate attorney in the United States is $120,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal appellate attorney?

A Federal Appellate Attorney is a lawyer who specializes in handling cases on appeal in federal courts. They review trial records, research legal precedents, draft appellate briefs, and present oral arguments to appellate judges. Their goal is to overturn or uphold lower court decisions by identifying legal errors or defending the ruling. These attorneys must have strong analytical, writing, and advocacy skills to effectively argue complex legal issues before federal appellate courts.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a federal appellate attorney?

To thrive as a Federal Appellate Attorney, you need strong analytical skills, advanced legal research and writing abilities, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, and admission to the relevant bar. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, as well as experience with electronic case management systems, is typically required. Excellent oral advocacy, attention to detail, and the capacity to work effectively under tight deadlines are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are essential to prepare persuasive appellate briefs, manage complex records, and present compelling arguments in federal appellate courts.

What challenges do federal appellate attorneys face in their daily work?

Federal Appellate Attorneys often face the challenge of distilling complex legal records into clear, persuasive arguments within strict word and time limits. They must stay current with evolving case law and procedurally navigate appellate rules that can vary by circuit and case type. Balancing heavy caseloads and managing competing deadlines requires strong organizational skills. Additionally, the need for frequent collaboration with trial attorneys, clients, and sometimes co-counsel can require effective communication and teamwork. Overcoming these challenges is critical to achieving positive outcomes for clients on appeal.

Do federal appellate attorneys make a lot of money?

Federal appellate attorneys typically earn high salaries due to their specialized legal expertise and the complexity of appellate work. Salaries vary based on experience, government agency, and location, but they generally offer competitive compensation compared to other legal roles, often including benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance.
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Federal Appellate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Appellate Attorney job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,815 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Appellate Attorney

Houston, TX • On-site

NACBA
See more jobs at NACBAexternal

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Review trial court records, pleadings, motions, and orders to identify potential appellate issues.

  • Draft appellate briefs, petitions for review, motions, responses, and replies.

  • Prepare for and participate in oral arguments before appellate courts.

Job description

About the job

The Watts Law Firm, P.C. is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Appellate Attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong appellate experience, excellent legal research and writing skills, and the ability to independently manage complex appellate matters from initial review through final disposition.

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 appellate briefs and motions, and assisting with appellate strategy. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong written and oral advocacy skills, and the ability to effectively analyze and communicate complicated legal issues.

Key Responsibilities
  • Review trial court records, pleadings, motions, orders, and other relevant case materials to identify potential appellate issues.
  • Conduct extensive legal research and analyze statutes, regulations, case law, and procedural rules.
  • Draft appellate briefs, petitions for review, motions, responses, replies, and other appellate pleadings.
  • Develop and implement appellate strategies in collaboration with attorneys and clients.
  • Prepare for and participate in oral arguments before appellate courts.
  • Monitor appellate deadlines, filing requirements, and procedural rules to ensure compliance.
  • Analyze trial court rulings and determine potential grounds for appeal or challenges to appellate decisions.
  • Assist trial attorneys with preserving legal issues for appeal and developing appellate strategies during litigation.
  • Review and analyze appellate records, transcripts, exhibits, and other case materials.
  • Communicate effectively with clients regarding appellate matters, case status, and strategy.
  • Stay current on developments in Texas appellate law, court rules, and relevant legal precedent.
  • Work independently while collaborating with other attorneys and staff on complex litigation matters.
  • Maintain accurate case files, deadlines, and documentation.
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Law review preferred.
  • Active license to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing.
  • Significant experience handling appellate matters in Texas state and federal courts.
  • Demonstrated experience drafting appellate briefs and other complex legal pleadings.
  • Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
  • Ability to independently manage multiple matters and competing priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Experience with complex civil litigation is strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 Years experience in practicing law.
Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the Firm's practice areas is a plus, including:

  • Commercial litigation
  • Real property
  • Condemnation
  • Construction
  • Contracts
  • Insurance
  • Business disputes
  • Prior experience with oral argument before appellate courts, petitions for review, and complex appellate briefing is highly preferred.
  • Please attach writing samples to your resume - At least 3 different appellate matters for which the candidate was the lead attorney
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