Employment

POSITION:   Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable Sheila Woods-Skipper
Court of Common Pleas, Orphan’s Court Division

(Open to Promotion, Transfers, and New Hires)

SALARY:      $59,177 - $65,104 (G49)

FILING DEADLINE: * This is a continuous posting. The purpose of this posting is for future vacancies within the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. *

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. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
8. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
9. Covid-19 vaccination recommended.

GENERAL DEFINITION

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 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

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.

• 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

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.