A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

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.

This position is in the Court of Common Pleas Trial Division – Criminal which has jurisdiction over all felony cases and appeals from Municipal Court for a trial de novo (new trial) including a right to a trial by jury. Among the types of cases that fall within the assignments of the Trial Division Criminal Section are homicide cases, capital PCRA cases and felony cases. The Probation Department and Pretrial Services are included in the Criminal Section of the Division.

Work-Life

Working hours are 40 hours per week. This is a full-time, in person position with the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.

Job Description

PositionSummary

This is professional legal work as a research assistant supporting judges of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Work involves providing members of the judiciary with assistance in preparation of writing briefs, opinions and similar material.

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.

Researches 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.
Prepares rough drafts of opinions.
Maintains file on case documents and all related correspondence.

Marginal Functions

Provide general information about the assigned functions.

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Competencies, 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.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court personnel, departmental administrators, attorneys and associates.
Ability to use Westlaw and/or Lexis/Nexis.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
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.
Demonstrated commitment to public interest is a plus.
Strong academic background.
Superior writing and analytical skills.
Appropriate experience in the use of Windows Software applications.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Must work in person (not remote).
In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Additional Information

TO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Salary Range: $60,656

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available
Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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Judicial Law Clerk I