Research Attorney I (Judge Cline) - Kansas Court of Appeals

Kansas Judicial Branch; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas Judicial Branch is seeking a Court Appeals Research Attorney I for the Kansas Court of Appeals. The selected candidate will engage in confidential legal work, including reviewing briefs, researching legal questions, and preparing memoranda. This position offers remote work possibilities and a starting salary of $67,699.63, with opportunities for step increases. Applicants must graduate from an ABA Accredited law school by June 2026 and be eligible to practice law in Kansas.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA Accredited law school by June 2026.
• Must be eligible to practice law in Kansas.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing briefs and case records.
• Researching legal questions.
• Preparing prehearing memoranda.

Skills

Legal Research

Analytical Skills

Writing

Education

Graduation from an ABA Accredited law school

Tools

Word Processing

Electronic Legal Research

Job description

Position Details

Position number: K0207927

Location of Employment: Kansas Court of Appeals, Kansas Judicial Center, 301 SW 10^th Ave, Topeka KS 66612

The selected candidate may office either at the Kansas Judicial Center or the Sedgwick County Courthouse, 525 N. Main Street, Wichita, KS 67203, with remote work possibilities.

Position/Salary and Benefits

Court Appeals Research Attorney I, Grade 42

Starting salary: $67,699.63

Eligible for step increase after six months: $69,396.60

Eligible for step increase after one year: $74,629.46

Kansas Judicial Branch Benefits: State Employment Center - Benefits (ks.gov)

Job Duties

This position involves highly responsible confidential legal work for the Hon. Judge Amy Fellows Cline of the Kansas Court of Appeals. Responsibilities include reviewing briefs and case records, researching legal questions, preparing prehearing memoranda, and other tasks as assigned by the judge.

Employment Dates

Approximately August 10, 2026, through August 4, 2028, with possible extension.

Required Education and Experience

Graduation from an ABA Accredited law school by June 2026. Preference may be given to applicants with a GPA in the top third of their class. Must be eligible to practice law in Kansas, either currently licensed or with a transferable UBE score per Supreme Court Rule 717.

Applicants not yet licensed must complete additional steps before employment, including applying to take or transfer the UBE, submitting proof of MPRE and character fitness, and obtaining a Kansas temporary permit.

Required Abilities

• Recognize and analyze relevant facts, evidence, issues, and law in complex cases.
• Write clearly, thoroughly, and concisely.
• Familiarity with word processing and electronic legal research.
• Meet deadlines effectively.

Application Instructions

Submit cover letter, resume, references, law school transcript (unofficial acceptable), and writing sample. Application deadline: Open until filled. Interviews begin the week of July 21, 2025.

Additional Information

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides for reasonable accommodations during the employment process. To request an accommodation, contact [email protected] or call TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.

THE KANSAS JUDICIAL BRANCH IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER