Attorney II

County of Chester; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Chester is seeking a Domestic Relations Attorney II to represent clients in child support cases. This role requires a Juris Doctorate and Pennsylvania Bar License, along with significant experience in Family Law. The position also involves supervision of staff and various legal responsibilities, offering a balance between professional development and work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Two years of Trial Experience in Family Law.
• Strong analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills required.
• Twelve hours of continuing legal education required annually.

Responsibilities

• Represent obligees at support and contempt hearings.
• Supervise staff managing Family Court cases.
• Handle appeals on asset seizures and various legal matters.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Education

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Pennsylvania Attorney’s License

Tools

PACSES

Westlaw

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Join our team for a unique opportunity to help families establish child support/spouse orders, navigating unrepresented plaintiff's through the Domestic Relations system. The DRS office provides a great work/life balance. Telework days are offered when feasible based on the in court schedule.

The Domestic Relations Attorney II represents obligees in all aspects of child support cases held before Hearing Officers and Judges and provides supervision to the areas of the office dealing with detailed Legal issues.

A criminal background check is required.

• Represent obligees at the Support hearing level to include preparation of files, interviewing the client, negotiation with the obligor and obligor’s attorney and presentation of the case at the hearing.
• Supervision of key staff who provide a liaison to manage all cases/transactions with the Family Court.
• Represent obligees at contempt hearing level including, preparing the file, interviewing the client, negotiation with the obligor and obligor’s attorney and presentation of the case at the hearing and providing coverage as needed or 72 hour hearings.
• Represent obligees at the conference level including attendance at the conference level, interviewing the client and negotiation with obligor or obligor’s attorney.
• Perform all necessary follow-up work for hearings, Genetic Test/Paternity and conference levels. Follow-up includes filing any necessary legal documentation, telephone contact and correspondence with the parties involved and consultation with Domestic Relations staff to insure proper management of each case.
• Supervision of various court staff
• Represent out-of-court obligees in registration cases seeking registration for modification and enforcement of existing support orders.
• Oversee and handle all aspects of Bankruptcy cases.
• Handle appeals on the seizure of assets through liens (CSLN & Non-CSLN) as well as perform issuance of QUADRO’s and other judicial enforcement remedies.
• Activities support the collection of all court-ordered child support.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Successfully passed the Pennsylvania Bar Exam.
• Pennsylvania Attorney’s License.
• Two years of Trial Experience in Family Law.
• Sufficient knowledge of child support law and experience to work independently and provide support to others in the unit.
• Knowledge of court policy.
• Knowledge of municipal government laws.
• Must have strong analytical, research and writing skills.
• Must be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Must have a professional and competent attitude, demeanor and appearance.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Twelve hours of continuing legal education is required annually.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Ability to write clearly and concisely under tight time constraints.
• Knowledge of court policy and municipal government laws.
• Knowledge or ability to learn about Chester County policies and procedures.
• Affiliation with Bar Association.
• Ability to exhibit sound and accurate judgement.
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Ability to establish priorities.
• Ability to multi-task and carry tasks to completion.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Word skills
• Basic Outlook skills (Calendar and Email)
• Basic Internet skills
• Knowledge of PACSES
• Knowledge of Westlaw (legal research)