Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable Sheila Woods-Skipper
About The Position
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 Judicial Law Clerk is a confidential employee and serves at the discretion and pleasure of the judge.
Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited law school.
- Satisfactory clearance of a criminal background investigation.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Must work on site (not remote).
- 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
- 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
Nice To Haves
- Member in Good Standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania preferred.
- Strong academic credentials.
- Law review or moot court experience preferred.
- Prior internship or clerkship experience in a legal or judicial setting, preferred.
- Familiarity with court procedures and local rules, preferred.
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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
- Provides general information pertaining to the assigned functions.
- Performs related work as required.
Benefits
- Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
- 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
- Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Eligibility into the discounted medical plan through our wellness program
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options
- Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40% savings) with partner colleges and universities, extending to spouse and dependents in some cases.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
