Attorney

Pennsylvania Courts; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

13 paid holidays

12 paid sick days

12+ paid vacation days

Student loan forgiveness

State retirement plans

FSA healthcare

Telework up to 2 days per week

Job summary

The Superior Court of Pennsylvania’s Central Legal Staff seeks a highly skilled attorney to perform legal research and writing for civil and criminal matters. This position allows hybrid telework after six months, with primary locations in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh.

You will review docketing statements, opinions, and briefs, draft memoranda and orders, and work with Judges and chambers to resolve issues affecting appellate dockets.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA accredited law school.
• 3-5 years’ experience as an appellate law clerk.
• Admitted to and in active standing with the practice of law before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

• Review docketing statements, motions (standard and emergency), opinions circulating in Superior Court, and certified records.
• Review appellate briefs, certified records, and court dockets.
• Research legal and procedural issues presented on appeal.
• Draft memoranda, opinions, orders, and bench memos as assigned.
• Conduct comprehensive review of trial court dockets to determine jurisdiction issues and other problems before listing the appeal.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Collaboration

Education

J.D. from ABA accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position requires exceptional legal research and writing skills for work performed with the Superior Court of Pennsylvania’s Central Legal Staff. This individual must possess the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a statewide team, with the ability to consistently meet deadlines. The attorney will handle matters relating to civil and criminal law and work closely with various judicial chambers and Judges. The primary location for this position will be in Harrisburg, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh with eligibility to telework on a hybrid work schedule after the first 6 months of employment.

Job Highlights

• Excellent benefits program, including comprehensive, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans for employees and eligible family members beginning on the first day of employment.
• 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 12+ paid vacation days per year.
• Salary increases, student loan forgiveness plans, employee assistance programs, and State retirement plans.
• Healthcare flexible spending account.
• 6 weeks paid parental leave for eligible employees.
• Telework may be available up to 2 days per week after training.

Typical Duties

• Review docketing statements, motions (standard and emergency), opinions circulating in Superior Court, and certified records.
• Review appellate briefs, certified records, and court dockets.
• Research legal and procedural issues presented on appeal.
• Draft memoranda, opinions, orders, and bench memos as assigned.
• Conduct comprehensive review of trial court dockets to determine not only if any jurisdiction issues exist, but any other problems that require attention prior to listing the appeal before a merits panel.
• Review petitions for permission to appeal and prepare memoranda and recommendations for review and votes by Motions Panel.
• Prepare summaries, recommendations, and draft orders for review by Motions Judge.
• Prepare summaries, recommendations, and draft orders for review and votes by Motions Panel.
• Assist in research projects requested of Central Legal Staff.
• Work directly with Judges and chambers of the Superior Court to resolve various matters involving civil and criminal cases.
• Assist in editing team members’ work.
• Assist in various attorney functions in the relevant office, including, but not limited to, working with the Superior Court Prothonae’s office to resolve issues pertaining to the appeal docket.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA accredited law school.
• 3-5 years’ experience as an appellate law clerk.
• Admitted to and in active standing with the practice of law before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Salary information

Starting Salary Range-$81,000-$91,000 (maximum salary is $101,209).

Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with Pennsylvania Rules of Court, Rules, and Pennsylvania Procedure and Pennsylvania Procedure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneNote).
• Ability to maintain a high level of integrity in the performance of job duties.
• Satisfaction criminal background check required.