Appellate Litigation Associate Attorney

Location: Washington, D.C.

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Associate to join a prestigious Am Law 100 firm in its Supreme Court & Appellate practice based in Washington, D.C. This is a rare opportunity to work on high-profile appellate matters before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal and state appellate courts, handling some of the most complex and influential legal issues in the country.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting & Briefing: Prepare appellate briefs, motions, petitions for certiorari, and other court filings with a focus on persuasive and strategic legal writing.

• Legal Research & Analysis: Conduct in-depth case law research and statutory interpretation to develop legal arguments and support appellate strategies.

• Oral Argument Preparation: Assist in preparing attorneys for appellate oral arguments by conducting moot courts, drafting talking points, and refining legal positions.

• Case Strategy Development: Collaborate with partners and senior attorneys to craft innovative legal strategies in appellate matters.

• Courtroom Advocacy: Opportunities to argue cases in appellate courts may be available for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Education: J.D. from a top-tier law school, class of 2023 or later.

• Academic Excellence: Strong law school academic credentials, including law review, moot court, or other distinguished legal writing experience.

• Appellate Clerkship Preferred: Experience clerking for a federal or state appellate judge is highly desirable.

• Legal Writing & Analysis: Exceptional ability to draft persuasive appellate briefs, conduct sophisticated legal research, and analyze complex legal issues.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively within a team-oriented, high-performance environment.

Work Environment & Compensation

• Salary Range: $225,000 – $390,000 (compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and firm policies).

• Comprehensive Benefits Package:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance.

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.

  • Back-up childcare and eldercare support.

  • Professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement support.

This firm is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Apply today to join a top-tier appellate team handling some of the most challenging legal matters in the country.