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

Position number: K0216594

Location of Employment: Kansas Court of Appeals
Kansas Judicial Center
301 SW 10th Ave Topeka, KS

Position/Salary and Benefits: Court of Appeals Research Attorney I
Grade 42 starting salary: $70,086.04
$71,842.83 after 6 months of successful performance
$77,260.15 after 1-year of successful performance

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

Job Duties: This position involves highly responsible and confidential legal work for the Hon. Karen Arnold-Burger of the Kansas Court of Appeals. A research attorney reviews the briefs and underlying case record, researches questions of law presented, prepares prehearing memoranda based on the facts of the case and applicable law, aids the judge by providing information necessary for decision-making, and performs other tasks as assigned by the judge.

Employment Dates: This position is currently open. The position will be for a term ending December 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension based on the court’s needs.

Required Education: All candidates must have graduated from an ABA Accredited law school. Preference will be given to those applicants with a law school GPA in top one-quarter of the applicant's graduating class. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice law in Kansas OR have a Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) result transferrable to Kansas per Supreme Court Rule 717.

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. Some remote work will be allowed upon a showing of the ability to work independently and effectively under deadline.
Submit cover letter, resume, law school transcript (may be unofficial), references, writing sample, with your application. Interviews will begin November 2, 2026. Position is open until filled.

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. 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/ADA EMPLOYER