Job Description

An excellent entry level opportunity is available in the Orphans’ Court Division of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas with an immediate start date.  The Judicial Law Clerk 1 is a full-time, in person position to work for First Judicial District of PA Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division

The position requires research and writing on a wide range of issues that arise involving Trusts and Estates, Incapacity Proceedings, Minors’ Compromises, and Nonprofit Corporations.  Working in conjunction with other judicial staff, you will assist with maintaining the judges’ caseloads and be responsible for analyzing a variety of Petitions and procedural history daily.  We are looking for a self-starter who will familiarize themselves with the relevant rules, work without supervision, and be able to prepare high quality memoranda, Orders, and Opinions for judicial review in a timely manner. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE NORMAL FOR THIS POSITION BUT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE.  OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES MAY BE REQUIRED AND/OR ASSIGNED.

• Review petitions and procedural history
• Research legal sources for briefs or opinions based on statutory law, decisions, and precedents of higher courts.
• Searches for and studies legal records and documents to obtain data applicable to cases under consideration.
• Prepares rough drafts of opinions.
• Prepares high-quality briefs, orders, and opinions by reviewing documents, files, and case correspondence and submit to assigned judicial authority for review and signature in a timely manner.
• Maintains files on case documents and all related correspondence.
• Completes administrative tasks associated with assigned caseload.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members of the judiciary, court and departmental administrators, and diverse court clientele and members of the public.
• Performs related work as required.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Provide general information about the assigned functions.

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard clerical office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

YOU MUST VISIT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/ TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION BY APRIL 25, 2022 .  APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES     

• Knowledge of the components and functions of the justice system.
• Knowledge of legal research techniques and preparation of memoranda, petitions, and similar instruments.
•  Ability to prepare, judicial approval orders, and opinions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court personnel, departmental administrators, attorneys, and associates.
• Ability to perform administrative tasks in an effective and organized fashion.
• Ability to use Westlaw and criminal court databases.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Possess outstanding organizational and communication skills
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, staff, attorneys, and other court personnel
• Be proficient with Microsoft Outlook and Word
• Master the case management system after training
• Aid with administrative tasks as needed
• Manage duties independently
• Have superb time management skills and be able to multitask and prioritize

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.

YOU MUST VISIT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/ TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION BY APRIL 25, 2022 .  APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment

Qualifications

AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION SHOULD INCLUDE A PROFESSIONAL RESUME THAT INDICATES CLASS RANKING, A TRANSCRIPT, A WRITING SAMPLE, AND TWO REFERENCES. PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS AT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/

**CANDIDATES WHO WILL BE GRADUATING LAW SCHOOL IN SPRING OF 2022 ARE WELCOME TO APPLY.

 REQUIREMENTS:

1.  Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
2. Membership of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a requirement for Law Clerk 1; however, if you are a current member of the Bar, you must be, and remain in good standing.
3. Strong academic background.
4. Superior writing, research, and analytical skills.
5. City residency required within six (6) months of satisfactory completion of a six (6) month orientation period.
6. Must successfully complete a criminal (or financial) background investigation
7. Strong organizational, communication, and writing skills.
8. Superior writing and analytical skills.
9. City residency required within six (6) months of satisfactory completion of a six (6) month orientation period.
10. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
11. Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is required.

YOU MUST VISIT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/ TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION BY APRIL 25, 2022 .  APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED AT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment

Additional Information

SALARY: $51,874 - $57,069

AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION SHOULD INCLUDE A PROFESSIONAL RESUME THAT INDICATES CLASS RANKING, A TRANSCRIPT, A WRITING SAMPLE, AND TWO REFERENCES. PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS AT https://www.courts.phila.gov/employment/

**CANDIDATES WHO WILL BE GRADUATING LAW SCHOOL IN SPRING OF 2022 ARE WELCOME TO APPLY.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST BE A CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RESIDENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE.

Did you know?

●        We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer

●        25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

●        We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents

●        Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan

●        Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

●        Generous retirement savings options are available

The First Judicial District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.