law clerk Philadelphia, PA
Job description
A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What we offer
- Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
- Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
- Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
- Benefits - We care about your well-being.
Agency Description
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania (“FJD”) is the Philadelphia County Court System and is composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. The mission of the FJD is to adjudicate cases and provide services to the community within our jurisdiction while ensuring fair, timely, and accessible justice to the people of Philadelphia. The FJD is part of the Unified Judicial System reporting in to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
This is professional legal work as a research assistant supporting a judge of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Work involves providing members of the judiciary with assistance in the preparation of writing briefs, opinions, and similar material.
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.
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.
- Researches legal sources for briefs or opinions based on statutory law, decisions, and precedents of higher courts.
- Search for and studies legal records and documents to obtain data applicable to cases under consideration.
- 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.
- Completes docketing and service of notices, orders, and opinions.
- Maintains files on case documents and all related correspondence.
- Completes administrative tasks associated with assigned caseload.
- Establishes and maintains 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 with strict adherence to deadlines.
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
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.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- 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.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court personnel, departmental administrators, attorneys, and associates.
- Ability to use Lexis/Nexis.
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.
Work-Life
Working hours are 40 hours per week. This is a full-time, in person position with the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
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.
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- 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.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest is a plus.
- Strong academic background.
- Superior writing and analytical skills.
- Appropriate experience in the use of Windows Software applications.
- City of Philadelphia residency required within one year of employment and maintain residency throughout your employment.
- Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Covid-19 Vaccination is recommended.
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.
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 Range: $56,683 - $62,360
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 successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
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.
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.
