Staff Attorney I - Court of Common Pleas, Trial Division, Civil

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania (“FJD”) is the Philadelphia County Court System and is composed of two courts:  the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. The mission of the FJD is to adjudicate cases and provide services to the community within our jurisdiction while ensuring fair, timely, and accessible justice to the people of Philadelphia. The FJD is part of the Unified Judicial System reporting into the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.

Job Description

Position Summary

This is professional legal work supporting the judiciary of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.  Work involves providing the judges assistance with writing briefs and memoranda, drafting opinions, and advising on legal and administrative issues. This position reports directly to the Director and/or Department head of programs such as commerce, complex litigation, senior judge complex, motions, and the post-conviction relief act unit. 

Pursuant to the Supreme Court's Per Curiam Order dated December 29, 2015, an attorney employed in the Unified Judicial System shall be prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in which the attorney is employed. 

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.

Essential Functions

• Responsibilities include (i) conducting research, (ii) drafting legal memoranda and orders; and (iii) drafting judicial opinions
• Provide reports and recommendations to judges on complex legal issues presented in both motions and statutory appeals from local and state agencies.
• Ability to prepare, for judicial approval, notices, orders, and opinions
• Review and draft dispositions on petitions for relief.
• Handle emergency responsibilities during business hours.  This requires interfacing with other departments/division, judges and judicial staff, and members of the public.
• Provide support, on a flexible as-needed basis, to judges.
• Research legal sources for briefs or opinions based on statutory law, decisions, and precedents of higher courts.
• Search for and study legal records and documents to obtain data applicable to cases under consideration.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, orders, and opinions by reviewing documents, files, and case correspondence and submit to assigned judicial authority for review and signature in a timely manner.
• Maintain files on case documents and all related correspondence.
• Complete administrative tasks associated with assigned caseload.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members of the judiciary, court and departmental administrators, and diverse court clientele and members of the public.
• Perform related work as required with strict adherence to deadlines.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Provide general inf