Employment

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.

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:

• FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8-weeks of Paid parental leave
• Generous paid time off: 10 days’ vacation, 15 sicks days, 5 annual (paid personal) leave days, 12 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive and affordable health coverage to meet you and your family’s needs.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer such as the FJD.
• Pension through Philadelphia Municipal Employees Retirement Plan
• 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plan is tax-advantage retirement plan to accelerate your retirement savings by putting money aside pretax into investment portfolios. This is separate from your pension.
• Tuition Discounts and Scholarships: FJD participates in the City of Philadelphia’s Return to Learning Partnership Program to provide access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Discounts range between 10% to 40%.

About Department

The Orphans' Court Division is one of the three divisions of the Court of Common Pleas, and serves to protect the personal and property rights of all persons and entities who are otherwise incapable of managing their own affairs. The name "Orphans' " in the name of the Court is derived from the general definition of "orphan" as one lacking protection, not the common association of a child deprived by the death of his or her parents. It is the Court's mission to ensure that the best interests of those persons and entities, who are "Orphans' " in the general sense of the word, are not compromised. 

Position Summary

This is a full- time professional legal position  as a research assistant supporting the Administrative Judge of the Orphans’ Court Division of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Work involves providing members of the judiciary with assistance in preparation of briefs, opinions, and similar material. The work involves not only duties typically performed by a law clerk, but also sensitive and confidential support to the Administrative Judge.

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.

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. 

• 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.
• Review complex and voluminous, motions, briefs, and memoranda, providing analysis of legal and procedural issues for judge
• Prepares rough drafts of opinions.
• Prepares and Maintains legal file on case documents and all related correspondence.
• Prepares presentations and power points
• Produce and update procedural manuals and check list
• Drafts briefs or arguments

Requirements 

1. Graduate of an accredited law school.
2. Member in Good Standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania preferred.
3. Strong academic credentials.
4. Law review or moot court experience preferred. 
5. Prior internship or clerkship experience in a legal or judicial setting, preferred. 
6. Familiarity with court procedures and local rules, preferred. 
7. Satisfactory clearance of a criminal background investigation.
8. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
9. Must work on site (not remote).

Marginal Functions

Provides general information pertaining to 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 

• 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.
• Superior writing and analytical skills
• 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 and other research tools
• Practice Experience and/or interest in Orphans’ Court (Guardianships, Wills, Trusts, Decedent Estates, etc.) and familiarity with the Orphans’ Court Rules
• Some knowledge of Civil Rules and Procedures
• Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Self-motivated, self-starter, and able to work independently and comply with and meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Superb time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments

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.