Legal Clerk I – Civil Motions Program

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 Office of Judicial Records (formerly Office of the Prothonotary) is considered the clerk who keeps records and the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, issues process, enters judgment, and certifies the record. The office was created under the provisions of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The duties, responsibilities, and other provisions of the office are determined by statute.

In a society as litigious as ours, where the issues brought before our civil courts range from action in divorce to a personal injury for serious bodily harm, the need for accurate, efficient record keeping is paramount; for in the law, if it is not proper and timely filed, it does not exist. It is the goal of the Office of Judicial Records to improve through innovation and technology the art of record keeping.

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

Performs a wide range of docketing, scheduling, filing, and case management functions in support of various court programs and proceedings. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing legal filings such as motions, petitions, responses, and discovery-related documents; scheduling and managing hearings, conferences, and court events; and assigning matters in accordance with established assignment matrices and court procedures.

Work also involves docketing cases and maintaining accurate records for multiple specialized court programs, coordinating continuances and case management submissions, and ensuring proper routing and assignment of cases to appropriate courtrooms and judicial calendars. The position requires careful attention to detail, knowledge of court rules and procedures, and the ability to manage multiple case types while ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable guidelines.

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.

• Checks court documents for errors and serves as a quality control check (if they need to verify documents for completeness).
• 2. Distributes documents to correct destinations and may hand deliver legal documents or records (if the clerk is going to be expected to hand deliver documents).
• 3. Instructs others on proper procedural steps (if they are expected to provide training or guidance to other new staff via job shadowing or other method of observation or guiding others)
• Docket, schedule, and manage case events for a variety of court programs, including Agency Appeals, Code Enforcement, Municipal Court Appeals, and other assigned matters.
• Review, process, and docket legal filings, including motions, petitions, answers, responses, replies, and related documents.
• Reviews and dockets case management memoranda and continuance requests for assigned programs.
• Assigns motions and petitions in accordance with the established Motion/Petition Assignment Matrix.
• Coordinate scheduling and docketing for specialized petitions, including Real Estate Tax Lien Petitions, Motions to Postpone Sheriff Sales, and other designated matters.
• Manage docketing for orders and petitions involving Philadelphia Parking Authority, Minors’ Compromise, Wrongful Death, and Incapacitated Persons.
• Assigned to courtrooms for programs such as