Law Clerk - Mifflin County

Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts; Lewistown (Mifflin County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts is seeking a Judicial Law Clerk for the Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas. The clerk will assist the Judge by researching issues, drafting opinions and orders, and managing case-flow in a fast-paced environment.

The position requires current admission to practice in Pennsylvania or eligibility to sit for the Bar, JD degree, and ability to conduct legal research using bound volumes and computer databases. Immediate start is intended.

Qualifications

• The Judicial Law Clerk must be a law school graduate.
• Applicants must be admitted to practice in Pennsylvania or be eligible to sit for the Pennsylvania Bar examination by virtue of graduation from an accredited law school.
• Satisfactory drug test and criminal background check required.
• Must possess strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and coordinate work.
• Working knowledge of computers and various software programs with emphasis on Word and Excel.
• Ability to conduct hard bound volume-based legal research.
• Ability to work effectively in an office environment.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Judge in researching legal issues before the court. Research and consult with the Judge on complex legal issues arising before, during and after court proceedings.
• Attend court proceedings to assist the Judge with any difficult legal issues which arise.
• Draft opinions, orders and other legal documents for the Judge’s review.
• Review complaints, answers, petitions and other documents filed with the court.
• Actively track cases pending decision by the court and timely update the Judge and/or District Court Administrator concerning same.
• Communicate with attorneys concerning issues coming and already before the court. Respond to queries from attorneys, litigants, court and county staff and the general public.
• Maintain the court’s computer-based research software. Assist general public with research issues within the Mifflin County Law Library from time to time.
• Act as Mental Health Review Officer.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Judge or Court Administration.

Skills

Research skills

Organizational skills

Word/Excel proficiency

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

The Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas will have an opening for a judicial law clerk to begin immediately. The purpose of this position is to assist the Judge in preparing for court and disposing of cases on the court’s docket. Assist the District Court Administrator with case-flow management and other duties as assigned.

Job Duties

• Assists the Judge in researching legal issues before the court. Research and consult with the Judge on complex legal issues arising before, during and after court proceedings.
• Attend court proceedings to assist the Judge with any difficult legal issues which arise.
• Draft opinions, orders and other legal documents for the Judge’s review.
• Review complaints, answers, petitions and other documents filed with the court.
• Actively track cases pending decision by the court and timely update the Judge and/or District Court Administrator concerning same.
• Communicate with attorneys concerning issues coming and already before the court. Respond to queries from attorneys, litigants, court and county staff and the general public.
• Maintain the court’s computer-based research software. Assist general public with research issues within the Mifflin County Law Library from time to time.
• Act as Mental Health Review Officer.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Judge or Court Administration.

Minimum Requirements

• The Judicial Law Clerk must be a law school graduate.
• Applicants must be admitted to practice in Pennsylvania or be eligible to sit for the Pennsylvania Bar examination by virtue of their graduation from an accredited law school.
• Satisfactory drug test and criminal background check required.
• Must possess strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and coordinate work.
• Working knowledge of computers and various software programs with emphasis on Word and Excel. Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
• Ability to conduct hard bound volume-based legal research.
• Ability to work effectively in an office environment.