Legal Clerk I - Family Division

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 in to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Job Description

This is entry level clerical legal work, and the individual selected for this position may be assigned to either the Juvenile Branch or Domestic Relations Branch of Family Court, and may be reassigned to either Branch, as business needs might require.  The position involves data input of pertinent court outcome information from courtroom and other matters.  Daily work may include preparing court lists, obtaining the necessary case records for Judges, Masters, or hearing officers, recording additional supportive data pertaining to case histories, summarizing case dispositions directly onto the court lists for distribution to appropriate personnel within Family Court and other court related agencies, and coding and entering dispositions into appropriate computer systems.  Work is performed according to clearly defined rules and procedures, under direct supervision.  Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with standard Family Court practices and procedures.

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.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive and may vary according to which Branch of Family Court the employee is assigned.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Initiate and update Family Court cases on applicable computer systems
• Check if litigants have other active/inactive cases and pending proceedings; if individual is in custody or under any type of supervision; details of custody status and/or court supervision.

• Check for any and all information from litigant and case histories that are pertinent to pending matter.
• Selects and schedule court dates, conferences, and other appointments.
• Copies court list, blocking out the prejudicial information in the notes, if applicable. 

COURTROOM DUTIES (if applicable)

• Records the judge’s order on the court list; records any exhibits that are marked and moved into evidence.
• Schedules the next hearing date and records all related dispositional codes, conditions, and institutions.    
• At Pre-Trial and Detention hearings, obtain attorney ID# and appoint counsel for juvenile in computer.
• If conflict counsel is needed, forwards request to Legal Liaison Office for formal appointment.  When counsel is attached, completes the paperwork and forward to Legal Liaison Office.  If notification of counsel is necessary, notify the Legal Liaison Office.
• Typing as required during court proceedings.

OFFICE DUTIES

• Conduct in-person and telephone Interviews with litigants and attorneys to obtain and update case and demographic information, as needed
• Updates case history, address changes and complete all docket information. 
• Enter fact-finder disposition for each petition.<