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Federal Appellate Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Travis County Attorney's Office is seeking a senior appellate attorney to handle ... Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines Methods and ...

FERC Attorney

Akron, OH ยท On-site

... federal appellate litigation. The attorney will collaborate closely with internal business teams, outside counsel, and industry stakeholders while supporting the company's long-term transmission ...

FERC Attorney

Akron, OH ยท On-site

... federal appellate litigation. The attorney will collaborate closely with internal business teams, outside counsel, and industry stakeholders while supporting the company's long-term transmission ...

... federal appellate litigation. The attorney will collaborate closely with internal business teams, outside counsel, and industry stakeholders while supporting the company's long-term transmission ...

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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 Jul 6, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Federal Appellate Attorney position, and why are they important?

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 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 are some common challenges faced by Federal Appellate Attorneys 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.

More about Federal Appellate Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Appellate Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Federal Appellate Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Appellate Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Federal Appellate Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Federal Appellate Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Appellate Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Appellate Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Appellate Attorney jobs are:
Infographic showing various Federal Appellate Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,815 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Litigation Associate (Supreme Court & Appellate) - Chicago

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$225K - $365K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description


Associate โ€” Litigation (Supreme Court & Appellate)
Locations: Austin, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C.
Practice: Supreme Court & Appellate
Experience: Junior to Mid-Level Associates
Type: Full-Time

Direct Counsel represents an AmLaw 100 firm seeking highly qualified Litigation Associates to join its nationally recognized Supreme Court & Appellate Practice. This Chambers Band 1 ranked group is involved in high-stakes appeals, critical trial-court motions, and strategic legal advisory matters across industries. The position offers the opportunity to brief and argue appeals, collaborate with renowned appellate practitioners, and shape precedent-setting issues in both federal and state courts.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Draft appellate briefs, dispositive motions, and amicus submissions in high-profile cases.

  • Conduct sophisticated legal research and analysis on constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues.

  • Advise trial teams on preserving issues for appeal and shaping litigation strategy.

  • Work closely with senior appellate lawyers on Supreme Court and federal appellate matters.

  • Represent clients across diverse industries in complex, precedent-setting disputes.

Qualifications:
  • Outstanding academic credentials from a top law school.

  • Judicial clerkship experience preferred, ideally at the appellate or Supreme Court level.

  • Superior writing, research, and analytical skills.

  • Admission to the bar in one or more of the listed jurisdictions, or eligibility to waive in.

  • A strong interest in appellate litigation and constitutional law.

Compensation (Cravath Scale)