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Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable Christopher Hall
Job Code:2024-CP-138
Location:Common Pleas Court
Department:Civil Division
FT/PT Status:Full Time
  
REQUIREMENTS

POSITION:   Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable Christopher Hall
Court of Common Pleas, Trial Division – Civil


                       (Open to Promotion, Transfer, and New Hire)

 

SALARY:      $59,181 - $65,108 (G49)

FILING DEADLINE:   March 1, 2025

TERM:    September 2025 – August 2026

           

REQUIREMENTS:

  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. Strong academic background.
  4. Superior writing, research and analytical skills.
  5. Successful completion of an interview process by a panel review after meeting minimum application standards.
  6. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
  7. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
  8. Covid-19 vaccination is recommended.
  9. Must work on site (not remote).

 

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is professional legal work as a research assistant supporting a Judge of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Work involves providing the Judge with assistance with writing briefs, opinions, memoranda, and similar material as well as advising on legal and administrative issues.

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.

 
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 research files on case documents and all related correspondence.
  • Completes administrative tasks associated with assigned caseload.
  • Handles correspondence from counsel.
  • 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.

 

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 REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Knowledge of the components and functions of the justice system.
  • Knowledge of legal research techniques and preparation of memoranda, petitions, and similar instruments.
  • Ability to prepare orders and opinions for judicial approval.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court personnel, departmental administrators, attorneys, and associates.
  • Ability to perform administrative tasks in an effective and organized fashion.
  • Ability to use Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, and other criminal court databases.
  • Possess outstanding organizational and communication skills.
  • Be proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Have superb time management skills and be able to multitask and prioritize.

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.