Judicial Law Clerk - Special Programs

SUMMARY

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.

Reports directly to the President Judge, respective Judges, and the District Court Administrator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Assisting with specialized judicial assignments (Drug Court, Behavioral Health Court, Veterans Court, Juvenile Court, Presiding Judge for the Grand Jury, etc.); specialized tasks that accompany this work.
• Supervising summer interns; assist with completing assignments if necessary.
• Any other legal research and writing assignments for special programs as designated by the President Judge and District Court Administrator.
• Non-remote work required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

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.

Experience and Skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.