Position number:                     K0075501
Location of Employment:       Kansas Court of Appeals
                                                    Kansas Judicial Center
                                                   301 SW 10th Avenue
                                                   Topeka, KS 
                                                   Or
                                                   Sedgwick County Courthouse
                                                   525 N Main, 11th Floor
                                                   Wichita, KS 

                                                   With potential for remote work possibilities

Position Title and Salary:       Court of Appeals Research Attorney I
                                                   Grade 42 starting salary: $ 69,392.12
                                                   Eligible for step increase after six months $ 71,131.52
                                                   Eligible for step increase after one year $ 76,495.20

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

Job Duties: This position involves highly responsible confidential legal work for the Hon. Lesley Ann Isherwood, Judge 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, aids the judge in her decision-making, and performs other tasks as assigned by the judge.

Employment Dates:  Approximately August 9, 2027, through August 10, 2029.

Required Education and Experience: All candidates must have graduated from an ABA Accredited law school by June 2027. 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 investigation in Kansas, and (3) obtain a Kansas temporary permit to practice law.

Required Abilities:  Ability to identify, organize, research, and analyze complex legal issues; to communicate in clear, cogent, and concise legal writing and effective oral expression; to read voluminous records on appeal, legal argument, and authorities; to maintain effective and confidential relationships with all court personnel; to work independently and effectively under deadline; and to demonstrate a degree of insight, thoroughness, and reliability sufficient to merit the confidence of the appellate bench.

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

Applications will be accepted until:  Open until filled. Interviews will begin the week of July 27, 2026.

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 ada@kscourts.gov or by TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.

THE KANSAS JUDICIAL BRANCH IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER