Research Attorney I - Court of Appeals (Judge Cline) in Topeka, Kansas at Kansas Judicial Branch

Position number: K0073940

Location of Employment: Kansas Court of Appeals, Kansas Judicial Center
301 SW 10th Ave, Topeka KS
The selected candidate may office either at the Kansas Judicial Center or
Sedgwick County Courthouse, 525 N. Main Street, Wichita, KS

Position/Salary and Benefits: Research Attorney I, grade 42 $69,392.12, eligible for step increase after six months $71,131.52,
and eligible for step increase after one year $76,495.20,
with remote work possibilities available.

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

Job Duties: This position involves highly responsible confidential legal work for the Hon. Amy Fellows Cline, 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: Employment from approximately August 9, 2027, through August 10, 2029 (extension of this term is possible).

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 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, law school transcript (may be unofficial), and writing sample with your application.

Application deadline: Open until filled. Interviews will begin week of July 20, 2026.

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for an accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with the Judicial Branch. 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/ADA EMPLOYER