Job Description

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is an excellent entry level opportunity is available in the Orphans’ Court Division of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas with a flexible start date.  The Judicial Law Clerk 1 is a full-time, in person position to work for both the Honorable Matthew D. Carrafiello and the Honorable Kathryn S. Lewis.   

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 manage both judges’ caseloads and be responsible for analyzing a variety of Petitions and procedural history daily. 

Law school students who will be graduating law school in spring of 2023 are welcome to apply.  An employee in this class is directly responsible to and serves at the discretion of the appointing judges.

By Order of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, effective September 1, 2005, all law clerks employed by judges of the courts of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in which the judge by whom they are employed serves.  Further, in courts which have no formally established divisions or sections, the law clerks are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the court itself.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Have superb time management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.

• Possess outstanding organizational and communication skills.

• Considerable knowledge of the components and functions of the justice system.

• Knowledge of the techniques and processes of legal research.

• Knowledge of the preparation of motions, petitions and similar instruments.

• Ability to prepare, for judicial approval, orders and opinions.

• Be proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Have familiarity with Zoom and the ability to learn court functions as needed.

• Master the case management system (Banner) after training.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court personnel, departmental administrators, attorneys and associates.

• Ability to use Westlaw.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY APRIL 13, 2023.   

Qualifications

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. Demonstrated commitment to public interest is a plus.
4. Strong academic background.
5. Superior writing and analytical skills.
6. Appropriate experience in the use of Windows Software applications.
7. City of Philadelphia residency required within one year of employment and maintain residency throughout your employment.
8. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
9. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
10. Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE NORMAL FOR THIS POSITION.  THESE ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE.  OTHER DUTIES MAY BE REQUIRED AND ASSIGNED.

• Researches 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.
• Maintains file on case documents and all related correspondence.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Provide general information about the assigned functions.

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY APRIL 13, 2023.   

Additional Information

SALARY:      $56,683 - $62,360 (G49)

FILING DEADLINE:  APRIL 13, 2023

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY APRIL 13, 2023.   

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 AMERICAN 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.