Law Clerk - Erie County

PA Courts; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

PA Courts in the United States is seeking a Law Clerk to assist Judge Ridge on the Court of Common Pleas. This role focuses on legal reasoning, research, and drafting opinions for civil and criminal cases, and requires close collaboration with the judge.

The ideal candidate holds a JD or equivalent from an accredited law school, has a valid driver's license, and is eager to gain practical court experience through a hands-on clerkship in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Perform legal research to support case decisions and opinion drafting.
• Draft opinions, orders and memoranda.
• Consult with the judge regarding research results.
• Attend hearings and liaise between counsel and the court.
• Assist other office staff in completing duties.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting opinions

Case analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

This Law Clerk position engages in legal reasoning with Common Pleas Judge David Ridge. Erie County Government values the power of diversity in our workforce. Our goal is to continue developing inclusive workforce policies that require individual equality, support the diversity of employee experiences, and include unique perspectives. All applicants are required to submit a resume. Additional documentation including but not limited to a cover letter, certifications, degrees, and letters of recommendation are optional.

Job Duties

• Performs legal research for the purposes of deciding cases and writing opinions.
• Drafts opinions, orders and legal memoranda.
• Consults with judges concerning research.
• Attends hearings, serve as a liason between counsel and the court.
• Assists other office staff in the completion of duties.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's of Law or Juris Doctor Degree from an Accredited Law School
• Valid Drivers license

Salary information $27.94 per hour

A clerkship with a Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas judge offers a caliber of legal education that no classroom can replicate. From your first weeks as a law clerk, you will be immersed in a behind-the-scenes look at court operations, often with exposure to the broad spectrum of cases on the court's docket - civil and criminal, family, trust and estates, motions and trials, as well as appeals. You will draft opinions, conduct legal research on novel questions, observe witness examinations and jury voir dire, and work in close collaboration with a sitting judge (if there are open positions, you will find them on the left).

• Clerkships offer wonderful opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional growth.