Family Court Administrative Attorney - 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 into the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Work-Life

Working hours are 40 hours per week.  This is a full-time, in person position with the First Judicial District 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.

Job Description

Position Summary

This is professional legal work supporting the judiciary of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Family Division.  Work involves providing the judges assistance with writing memoranda, orders, and opinions; reviewing the accuracy of a large volume of various pleadings and petitions; and researching legal and administrative issues. This position reports directly to the Supervising and Administrative Judges of the Family Division, or their designee.   

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. 

This position differs from other classifications by the complex nature of the legal research, case review, and administrative processing of legal issues.  This position reports directly to the Supervising and Administrative Judge or their designee.

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.

• Conducts legal research, drafts orders and legal memoranda, and reviews pleadings and pending cases.  
• Provides reports, recommendations, and draft orders to the Supervising and Administrative Judges, and employees, on complex legal issues presented in pleadings and appeals. 
• Reviews and drafts dispositions on petitions, pleadings, and other legal papers pending before or as assigned by the Supervising and Administrative Judges or their designee. 
• Handles emergency responsibilities during business hours.  This requires interfacing with other departments/divisions, judges and judicial staff, and members of the public.
• Provides support to departments/divisions, judges, and judicial staff as directed by the Supervising and Administrative Judges or their designee.
• Research legal sources for briefs, memoranda, or opinions based on statutory law, rules of procedure, decisions, and precedents of higher courts.
• Searches for and studies legal records and documents to obtain data applicable to pending cases.
• Prepares high-quality orders, opinions,