Legal Clerk I – Family Court
About The Position
This is an entry-level clerical legal position within the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Court System. The selected individual will be assigned to either the Juvenile Branch or Domestic Relations Branch of Family Court, with the possibility of reassignment based on business needs. The role involves data input of court outcome information, preparing court lists, gathering case records for judicial officers, recording case history data, summarizing case dispositions, and coding/entering dispositions into computer systems. Work is performed under direct supervision according to defined rules and procedures.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One to two years of progressively responsible clerical experience processing legal instruments and documents.
- Equivalent combinations of training and experience providing the characteristics required to perform the essential functions of the class may substitute.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of a position in this class.
- Satisfactory clearance of a criminal background investigation.
- Must work in person (not remote).
Nice To Haves
- Considerable knowledge of Family Court operations and procedures regarding assigned function.
- Knowledge of clerical procedures necessary to prepare cases and implement court decisions.
- Knowledge of computerized data entry procedures and related office practices/procedures.
- Knowledge of legal terminology and applicable laws and regulations within court structure.
- Experience with data input and computer information systems.
- Ability to learn new systems and procedures within reasonable timeframes, as business needs require.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court employees and representatives of agencies involved in court hearings and/or implementation of court decisions.
Responsibilities
- Initiate and update Family Court cases on applicable computer systems.
- Check for litigant case history, active/inactive cases, pending proceedings, custody status, and court supervision details.
- Gather pertinent information from litigant and case histories for pending matters.
- Select and schedule court dates, conferences, and appointments.
- Copy court lists, redacting prejudicial information as necessary.
- Record judge's orders, exhibits, and dispositional codes during courtroom proceedings.
- Schedule next hearing dates and record related dispositional codes, conditions, and institutions.
- Obtain attorney ID# and appoint counsel for juveniles during hearings, and complete necessary paperwork.
- Conduct in-person and telephone interviews with litigants and attorneys to obtain and update case and demographic information.
- Update case history, address changes, and complete all docket information.
- Enter fact-finder disposition for each petition.
- Complete previous day's assignments and copy completed dockets for distribution.
- Answer telephones and perform customer service activities.
- Perform related work as assigned.
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.
- Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
- 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, potentially extending to spouse and dependents.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
