Attorney

UNKNOWN; United States; Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Pennsylvania Courts, based in Pittsburgh with a hybrid telework option after six months, seeks an experienced appellate attorney for the Central Legal Staff. The role requires strong legal research, writing, and collaboration with judges and chambers on civil and criminal matters.

Minimum qualifications include a J.D. from an ABA-accredited school, 3–5 years as an appellate law clerk, and active Pennsylvania Supreme Court admission. Commencement date is October 2026.

Qualifications

• Exceptional legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a statewide team.
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review docketing statements, motions, opinions, 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.
• Conduct comprehensive review of trial court dockets to identify jurisdictional issues and other problems prior to listing the appeal.
• Prepare summaries, recommendations, and draft orders for review by Motions Panel.
• Assist in research projects requested by Central Legal Staff.
• Work with Judges and chambers of the Superior Court to resolve civil and criminal matters.
• Edit team members’ work.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Appellate procedure

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Active Pennsylvania Supreme Court admission

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 Pittsburgh with eligibility to telework on a hybrid work schedule after the first 6 months of employment. Applicants in the Harrisburg area may apply as well to work out of the Harrisburg location.

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 jurisdictional 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 Superior Court Prothonotary’s office to resolve issues pertaining to 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 is $81,000-$91,000 (maximum salary is $101,209).

Additional Qualifications/Preferences

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

Commencement Date: October 2026

In the Pennsylvania Courts, people are our priority. Become part of a dynamic and diverse branch of government focused on promoting access to justice for all. Discover fulfilling opportunities that align with your passion, and be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact through public service. Explore the possibilities with us at the Pennsylvania Courts where career meets purpose.