Judicial Law Clerk

Assigned to work with Judges of the Court of Common Pleas on a rotating basis as needed by the Court. Assist Judges in all aspects of legal research and writing. Judicial assignments will be for each of the five Divisions of the Court: Criminal, Civil, Family, Juvenile and Orphans' Court.

• Preparation of written legal judicial opinions. Following an appeal of a Judge's decision, and after a thorough review of the record, the law clerk assists the Court in preparing and submitting the Court's opinion to the Appellate Court. This includes conducting legal research and writing as directed by the Judge;

• Preparation of written legal documents including orders and judicial memoranda;

• Review of motions and responses; perform required research, and provide recommendations to the Judge;

• Preparation of jury instructions: ensure directions are accurate and relevant, through a complete understanding of the case;

• Administration of PCRA motions and pro se applications for relief in criminal cases; engage in multiple steps of review and analysis of information prior to entry of a final order;

• In Family Court, processing of divorce filings; complete review of divorce files to ensure proper documentation is submitted; 

• In Family Court, assisting the Judge in the processing of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions; this may involve review of PFA petitions, attendance by the law clerk at PFA hearings, researching legal issues, and drafting of memoranda and orders;

• In Criminal Court, assisting the Judge in drafting findings of fact and conclusions of law for the Judge to deliver concerning motions to suppress evidence. This may involve attendance by the law clerk at suppression hearings, researching legal issues, and drafting of memoranda and orders; 

• Any other legal research and writing assignments for special programs as designated by the President Judge and District Court Administrator;

• Non-remote work required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• College Degree;   

• J.D. (Law Degree);         

• Familiarity with state, civil, criminal and appellate rules of procedure, statutes, etc.;    

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written);        

• Legal research and writing;           

• Ability to meet deadlines;          

• Ability to identify pertinent legal issues;            

• Ability to synthesize facts quickly;          

• Ability to think critically, logically and to organize thoughts in a coherent format;   

• Ability to resolve ambiguities in the law;           

• Ability to prioritize large caseload;        

• Ability to act as intermediary between judge and counsel;                  

• Ability to comport oneself with professional demeanor;

• Ability to effect computerized legal research.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.