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

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

Job summary

A unique opportunity for a Court Appeals Research Attorney I at the Kansas Court of Appeals, focusing on confidential legal work for Judge Amy Fellows Cline. The role requires strong legal research skills and the ability to analyze complex cases, with a starting salary of $67,699.63 and potential for increases after six months and one year. Candidates must graduate from an ABA accredited law school by June 2026 and be eligible to practice law in Kansas.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an ABA Accredited law school by June 2026.
• Eligible to practice law in Kansas before employment.

Responsibilities

• Review briefs and case records, research legal questions.
• Prepare prehearing memoranda based on case facts and law.

Skills

Legal Research

Writing

Analytical Skills

Deadline Management

Education

ABA Accredited Law School Graduate

Job description

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 BenefitsState 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. A research attorney reviews the briefs and underlying case record, research questions of law presented, prepares prehearing memoranda based on the facts of the case and applicable law, and performs other tasks as assigned by the judge.

Employment Dates: Employment from approximately August 10, 2026, through August 4, 2028 (extension of this term is possible).

Required Education and Experience: All candidates must have graduated from an ABA Accredited law school by June 2026. Although not required, preference may be given to applicants with a GPA ranked in the top one-third of their graduating class. All candidates must be eligible to practice law in Kansas before employment. Candidates who are currently licensed to practice law in Kansas OR who have a Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) result transferrable to Kansas per Supreme Court Rule 717 are also eligible for this position.

Applicants who have not yet passed the Kansas Bar or received a qualifying UBE are eligible to apply, but they must complete the following before employment: (1) apply to take the Kansas Bar Exam or apply to transfer their UBE score to Kansas, (2) submit proof they successfully completed the MPRE and the character and fitness evaluation in Kansas, and (3) obtain a Kansas temporary permit to practice law.

Required Abilities: Ability to recognize and analyze relevant facts, evidence, issues, and applicable law in complex cases. Ability to write clearly, thoroughly, and concisely in an organized manner. Familiarity with word processing and electronic legal research methods. Ability to set and meet deadlines.

Submit cover letter, resume, references, law school transcript (may be unofficial), and writing sample with your application.

Application deadline: Open until filled. Interviews will begin the week of July 21, 2025.

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with the Judicial Branch. If you wish to request an ADA accommodation, please contact [e-mail] or by TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.

THE KANSAS JUDICIAL BRANCH IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER