Attorney (Pittsburgh)

pacourts; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Telework after training

Paid holidays & vacation

Job summary

Superior Court of Pennsylvania seeks an appellate law clerk with 3–5 years of appellate experience. The role emphasizes legal research, writing, and drafting memoranda and orders for the Central Legal Staff.

Hybrid work is available after six months, with potential relocation or work from Harrisburg in a related location. Strong deadlines and collaboration with judges and chambers are essential.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school is required.
• 3-5 years' experience as an appellate law clerk.

Responsibilities

• Review docketing statements, motions, opinions, and certified records.
• Research legal and procedural issues on appeal.
• Draft memoranda, opinions, orders, and bench memos.
• Prepare summaries and recommendations for review by Motions Panel.
• Edit team members' work and assist in various attorney functions.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Deadline-driven

Independent work

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

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.