Research Attorney I - Kansas Court of Appeals at Kansas Judicial Branch – Topeka,, Kansas

Position number: K0218832

Location of Employment: Kansas Court of Appeals, Kansas Judicial Center
301 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1506

Salary and Benefits: Court of Appeals Research Attorneys 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)

A Research Attorney I position is available in the chambers of Judge Jacy J. Hurst in Topeka, KS, with remote work possibilities.

Job Duties: The Research Attorney I must perform all duties in a timely, accurate, respectful, and organized manner while exercising the upmost confidentiality. The Research Attorney I is required to read, review, analyze and summarize legal briefs, motions, and other records submitted on appeal, including trial transcripts and exhibits. The successful candidate must conduct thorough and accurate legal research on a broad range of civil and criminal legal issues and apply relevant facts to that research. This position requires thorough, thoughtful legal research, accurate analysis of complex legal issues, and application of unique facts to produce quality written memoranda for the Judge. The Research Attorney I must also draft and edit documents and opinions, perform complete legal citations and verifications, assist in courtroom proceedings, and perform other related duties as assigned.

The successful candidate must be able to work independently to efficiently and accurately produce quality work product that meets the Judge’s expectations with little supervision.

Staff in Judge Hurst’s chambers are expected to work respectfully and cooperatively with each other, court personnel, attorneys, and members of the community.

Employment Dates: This position is a 1 or 2-year term—approximately August 1, 2026, through August 1, 2027, or 2028.

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 and who participated in a journal during law school. All candidates must be eligible to practice law in Kansas before employment. Preference may be given to candidates who are currently licensed to practice law in Kansas or who have a Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) result transferable to Kansas per Supreme Court Rule 709A.

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) complete the Kansas Bar Exam or apply to transfer their qualifying 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.

Application deadline: Preference will be given to applications received by February 1, 2026. However, the position will remain open until filled.

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.org or by TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.

THE KANSAS JUDICIAL BRANCH IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER