This is a non-union position. The salary grade is G-49.
Application Instructions
To be considered for employment at FJD, candidates must submit a completed employment application on our website at https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/cyberweb and click on Apply Now button to create an account or to log into their existing account.
A completed application and writing sample must be submitted by 11:59 PM on 10/13/2026.
About FJD
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is the Philadelphia County Court System composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. Our mission 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.
Benefits Summary
Full-time employees of the FJD are eligible for the following benefits:
About Department
The Civil Section has jurisdiction over actions at law and equity along with appeals from Municipal Court and certain administrative agencies and boards. The Trial Division Civil Section has jurisdiction over civil claims involving amounts in excess of $10,000. The variety of civil actions that may be brought in the Trial Division Civil Section includes Negligence, Contract and Equity Action.
Position Summary
The FJD is hiring a Judicial Law Clerk I to The Honorable Christopher R. Hall. The Clerk provides professional level legal work as a research assistant supporting judges of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. The Judicial Law Clerk work involves providing members of the judiciary with assistance in preparation of writing briefs, opinions and similar material.
The ideal candidate for this role is a graduate of an accredited law with superior writing and analytical skills, and an appetite to learn.
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.
The Judicial Law Clerk is a confidential employee and serves at the discretion and pleasure of the judge.
Requirements
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Superior writing and analytical skills.
Membership of a Bar is not required for Law Clerk 1; however, members must remain in good standing.
Facility in the use of MS Office software applications.
Satisfactory clearance of a criminal background investigation
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Must work in person (not remote).
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.
Legal research and writing and review of court records for draft opinions and orders.
Manage tracking databases for pending motions and appeals.
Maintain case files.
Manage law school and undergraduate interns.
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.
ADA Notice
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District of PA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
