Law Clerk

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework option

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Law Clerk for the Department of Community and Economic Development, Office of Open Records. The role focuses on researching legal issues, drafting written materials, and explaining the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act to the public.

It offers growth in research and writing in a government setting. The position supports appeals, with duties including analysis of statutes, writing summaries, and assisting attorneys.

Qualifications

• JD from ABA-accredited law school or within 3 months of graduation.
• Ability to perform essential job functions and meet educational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Research statutes, court opinions and authorities to support appeal work.
• Prepare written summaries and memoranda on legal issues and determinations.
• Respond to public inquiries about the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act.
• Consult with parties to address legal and technical questions under supervision.
• Research case histories to assist Appeals Officers with decisions.
• Support attorneys with assigned legal tasks and routine duties.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Public communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

THE POSITION

The Law Clerk position with the Department of Community and Economic Development Office of Open Records offers an exciting chance to begin your legal journey in a supportive environment. This role lets you work on meaningful issues that help citizens understand their rights. It provides daily opportunities to build strong research and writing skills. It is an encouraging place to grow while supporting open and accountable government.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the appeal process by researching legal issues, preparing written materials, and responding to questions about the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act. As a Law Clerk, you will perform the following duties:

• Legal Research: Analyze statutes, court opinions, and other authorities to support appeal work
• Opinion Summaries: Prepare written summaries and memoranda related to legal issues and determinations
• Public Assistance: Respond to public inquiries about the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act
• Appeal Support: Consult with parties under supervision to address legal and technical questions
• Case Review: Research case histories to assist Appeals Officers with appeal decisions
• Team Collaboration: Support attorneys with assigned legal tasks and routine responsibilities

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 4 days per week. You will initially be required to report to the office 2 days per week during the in-office training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S.
  1. provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.