Job Description

Position Summary

This is a professional legal position as a lawyer in the Commerce Program, which is part of the Trial Division – Civil of the Court of Common Pleas. This position reports directly to each of the three Judges assigned to the Commerce Program, as well as to the Director of the Program.

The Commerce Court Judges hear cases involving diverse parties and issues, including but not limited to: corporate shareholders, company members and partners; sales, mergers and dissolutions of businesses; commercial real estate transactions; construction and other business contracts; mechanics’ liens; commercial insurance policies; legal, accounting, and other professional (non-medical) malpractice; fiduciary duties; covenants not to compete, unfair competition, corporate fraud, and theft of trade secrets; malicious prosecution; and negotiable instruments. In addition, all class actions and disputed confessed judgments filed in Philadelphia County are assigned to the Commerce Program Judges.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

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.**

• Conduct legal research and draft judicial orders and opinions in all types of Commerce cases.
• Provide legal advice to Judges and court personnel on issues of commercial law.
• Conduct settlement and case management conferences.
• Attend and participate in significant court events, including trials.
• Manage cases within the Commerce Program.
• Perform related work as required by the Judges and Director.

** ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:**

Normal office and courtroom conditions are standard for this class.

Direct contact with court staff and litigants.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of the techniques and processes of legal research.
• Knowledge of legal requirements for preparation of pleadings, motions, petitions and similar instruments.
• Knowledge of the components of the Philadelphia civil trial system and the functions thereof.
• Knowledge of state and local rules of civil procedure.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania common law and statutes relating to commercial matters.
• Skill in legal writing and organization.
• Ability to prepare for judicial approval orders and opinions on petitions, motions and appeals filed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court staff and departmental administrators, attorneys and pro se litigants.
• Ability to use Westlaw and other legal research software.
• Knowledge of proper citation forms.
• Ability to prioritize individual caseload to meet deadlines.

** 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.**

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Qualifications

1. Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing.
2. Minimum of two years of relevant employment experience.
3. Excellent legal writing and organizational skills.
4. Extensive knowledge of state and local rules of civil procedure and Pennsylvania common law and statutes relating to commercial matters.
5. Ability to analyze a variety of administrative and procedural problems and to make sound recommendations as to their solution.
6. Successful completion of a review panel examination, evaluation, and interview process.
7. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
8. No outside law practice while employed with the First Judicial District.
9. Two-year commitment minimum.
10. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
11. Covid-19 Vaccination is recommended.
12. Must work on site (not remote).
13. Philadelphia residency is not required.

Additional Information

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Salary: $63,421

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Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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