Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable Sheila WoodsSkipper Orphans Court Division

City of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support the Administrative Judge of the Orphans’ Court Division. The role involves legal research, drafting documents, and maintaining legal files, requiring a law school graduate with strong analytical skills and knowledge of court procedures.

Benefits

Free public transportation via SEPTA

Paid parental leave

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Retirement options

Tuition discounts and scholarships

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Bar preferred.
• Strong academic credentials.

Responsibilities

• Research legal sources for briefs or opinions.
• Draft opinions and legal documents.
• Review complex motions and provide analysis.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Drafting legal documents

Knowledge of court procedures

Education

Graduate of an accredited law school

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

This is a full-time professional legal position as a research assistant supporting the Administrative Judge of the Orphans’ Court Division of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Work involves assisting members of the judiciary in preparing briefs, opinions, and related materials. The role includes duties typical of a law clerk, as well as sensitive and confidential support to the Administrative Judge.

By Order of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, effective September 1, 2005, all law clerks employed by judges of the courts of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in which they serve. In courts without formally established divisions, law clerks are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the court itself.

Application Process: Please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are typical for this position but not exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Research legal sources for briefs or opinions based on statutory law, decisions, and precedents.
2. Search for and analyze legal records and documents relevant to cases.
3. Review complex motions, briefs, and memoranda, providing legal and procedural analysis for the judge.
4. Draft opinions and legal documents.
5. Maintain legal files and correspondence related to cases.
6. Prepare presentations and PowerPoint materials.
7. Update procedural manuals and checklists.
8. Draft briefs or legal arguments.

Marginal Functions:

Provide general information related to assigned functions and perform related work as required.

Environmental Conditions:

Standard courtroom and office environment with direct contact with diverse court clientele.

Application Reminder: Please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to apply and upload your resume.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Bar preferred.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Experience with law review or moot court preferred.
• Prior legal or judicial internship or clerkship preferred.
• Knowledge of court procedures and local rules preferred.
• Successful criminal background check.
• Ability to perform essential job functions.
• Covid-19 vaccination recommended.
• Must work onsite (not remote).

Additional Information:

Note: This is a continuous posting for future vacancies within the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.

Salary Range: $59,177 - $65,104

Employee Benefits:

• Free public transportation via SEPTA.
• Paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage.
• Wellness and medical plan discounts.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement options.
• Student loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships at local universities.

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for most non-medical, non-emergency, non-patient-facing positions.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on various protected statuses. For discrimination concerns, contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or via email.

Additional info available at: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx