Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable Sheila Woods-Skipper

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 is the Philadelphia County Court System composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. Our mission 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.

About Department

The Orphans' Court Division is one of the three divisions of the Court of Common Pleas, and serves to protect the personal and property rights of all persons and entities who are otherwise incapable of managing their own affairs. The name "Orphans' " in the name of the Court is derived from the general definition of "orphan" as one lacking protection, not the common association of a child deprived by the death of his or her parents. It is the Court's mission to ensure that the best interests of those persons and entities, who are "Orphans' " in the general sense of the word, are not compromised.

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.

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 providing members of the judiciary with assistance in preparation of briefs, opinions, and similar material. The work involves not only duties typically performed by a law clerk, but also 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 the judge by whom they are employed serves.  Further, in courts which have no formally established divisions or sections, the law clerks are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the court itself.

The Judicial Law Clerk is a confidential employee and serves at the discretion and pleasure of the judge.

Essential Functions 

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all- inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Research legal sources for briefs or opinions based on statutory law, decisions, and precedents of higher courts.
• Searches for and studies legal records and documents to obtain data applicable to cases under consideration.
• Review complex and voluminous, motions, briefs, and memoranda, providing analysis of legal and procedural issues for judge
• Prepares rough drafts of opinions.
• Prepares and maintains legal file on case documents and all related correspondence.
• Prepares presentations and power points
• Produce and update procedural manuals and check list
• Drafts briefs or arguments

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Provides general information pertaining to the assigned functions.

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• ​​ Considerable knowledge of the components and functions of the justice system.