Appellate Attorney

Secrest-Wardle; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401k

Professional growth

Job summary

Secrest Wardle seeks an Appellate Attorney to handle matters in state and federal courts, arguing before appellate courts and shaping litigation strategy from pre-suit through trial and appeal.

The role demands strong legal analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills, with collaboration across appellate and trial teams. This on-site position offers opportunities across the Troy and Grand Rapids offices.

Qualifications

• Appellate experience with five or more years preferred.
• Exceptional legal analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage complex matters independently and collaborate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Argue before appellate courts and influence litigation strategy.
• Collaborate with trial teams on dispositive motions and evidentiary issues.
• Involve in case work from pre-suit through trial and appeal.

Skills

Appellate experience

Judicial clerkship

Oral advocacy

Legal analysis

Job description

Secrest Wardle | Troy, MI | Grand Rapids, MI

Opportunity for Broad Impact in Appellate Practice

Secrest Wardle’s Appellate Practice Group handles complex civil appeals that can shape Michigan law and influence entire industries. We’re seeking an Appellate Attorney ready to take an active role in consequential cases, argue before appellate courts, and influence litigation strategy from the outset. This position is on-site, at either our Troy or Grand Rapids office.

The Opportunity

Our appellate attorneys handle matters in state and federal courts across a broad range of civil practice areas, including automobile litigation, insurance coverage, municipal liability, employment, construction, and professional malpractice.

Your Work Will Be Impactful and Comprehensive

The successful candidate will have ample opportunity to argue in trial and appellate courts. They will also work closely with trial counsel on litigation strategy, dispositive motions, evidentiary issues, and preservation of issues for appeal. This involvement extends from pre-suit through trial and appeal, giving our attorneys a meaningful role in shaping cases and advancing clients’ interests.

What You Bring

• Appellate experience, including qualifying judicial clerkship experience; five or more years preferred.
• Exceptional legal analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• The judgment to manage complex legal matters independently.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with appellate colleagues and trial teams.

Why Secrest Wardle?

Secrest Wardle is a Michigan-based firm with over 100 years of history and recognized in the 2026 Best Law Firms rankings by Best Lawyers. Our appellate attorneys tackle challenging legal issues, collaborate on sophisticated advocacy, and advise clients on evolving case law. You’ll have the opportunity to influence litigation at every stage and present arguments that can affect outcomes well beyond an individual case.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Generous PTO
• 401k
• Opportunities for ongoing professional growth