Judicial Law Clerk - Court Administration

Job Description

To promote judicial economy and efficiency by serving as counsel to the judge through performing legal research, legal writing, making preliminary legal determinations not involving findings of fact, and other tasks that reduce the workload of the judges to manageable levels and allows the judges to have enough time in their schedule to oversee hearings, arguments, and trials..

Position Information:

Position Code: CT3031

5 Factor Grade: 113/116

Current county employees will follow the county's promotion/demotion policy.

Responsibilities

1. Researches, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in preparation of written judicial opinions, orders, jury instructions, verdict slips, and legal memoranda, and then drafts said documents.
2. Reviews and screens court documents presented to the judge and assists in solving problems regarding cases and issues before the court.
3. Prepares and sends legal correspondence as assigned.
4. Interacts with other internal departments, attorneys, and self-represented litigants frequently in carrying out work duties.
5. Makes preliminary legal determinations including offering suggestions and advising the judge as to the proper outcome, before, during and following legal proceedings.
6. Creates checklists and summaries of law to increase judicial efficiency in review of cases within said body of law and prepares summaries and memoranda on pending matters as requested by the judge.
7. Uses standard practices and guides in resolving issues presented to the Court.
8. Monitors new case law and determines how it may affect ongoing cases.
9. Monitors deadlines set by the Court and tracks cases on the Court’s docket.
10. Monitors appellate deadlines imposed on the Court for submission of Opinions under Pa.R.A.P. 1925 and the transmission of the record.
11. Attends seminars, training, or meetings as required.
12. Performs other job-related duties as required.
13. Assists in general office administrative tasks when needed.
14. Contacts attorneys to gather information for the judge, to assist in scheduling proceedings, to obtain status updates, or to seek concurrence or opposition to filed petitions or motions.
15. Assists self-represented litigants to the extent permissible, including explaining court proceedings and directing them to the necessary person or department.
16. Assists in coordinating the attendance of necessary court personnel and parties for proceedings.
17. Contacts and maintains communication with attorneys appointed to serve as guardian ad litem or court appointed counsel.
18. Collaborates with other Law Clerks as necessary by sharing information on common topics.
19. Utilizes and manages video conferencing and courtroom technology as needed.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

1. Juris Doctorate and admission to the Pennsylvania Bar required.
2. Must maintain active law license by completing annual Continuing Legal Education credits and other requirements as promulgated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

1. Prior legal experience preferred, including prior legal internship. Familiarity with the judicial system and Rules of Procedure required.

Company Description

Mission Statement: The most livable community with the most efficient and effective public services in Pennsylvania.

We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this job application!
Cumberland County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Cumberland County acknowledges and celebrates the unique characteristics of our residents, employees, and visitors. We identify diversity as a strength and consider it a growing, valuable asset of our community. We thoughtfully offer services and opportunities by understanding the different needs of our residents and actively engaging the underrepresented. Everyone who lives, works, and visits Cumberland County will benefit from our commitment to a welcoming environment.

Benefits

Medical Benefits:

• Capital Blue Cross Medical Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Wellness program with wellness incentives
• Capital Blue Cross Vision Insurance
• United Concordia Dental Insurance

Retirement Benefits:

• County Retirement Pension
  • 5% minimum pre-tax contribution required, with the option of increasing your contribution over 5% up to 15% post-tax
  • Fully vested after 5 years of credited service
  • Normal Retirement Options:
    • Age 55 with 20 years of credited service
    • Age 60 with any amount of credited service
• Voluntary 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Military Time Buy Back Options

Paid Time Off:

• Vacation
  • 10 days per year, accrued per pay period (Non-Exempt)
  • 15 days per year, accrued per pay period (Exempt)
  • Increase for both Non-Exempt and Exempt of 5 days per year after 2 years of service
• Personal
  • 3 Personal days per year, pro-rated based on starting date
• Sick
  • 5 Sick days per year, pro-rated based on starting date
• 12 Paid County Holidays
  • No waiting period to receive paid holidays

Additional Benefits:

• Educational Assistance
  • 80% of cost of tuition and books up to the annual IRS limit per calendar year (after 6 months of Full-Time Employment)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – certain eligibility requirements must be met
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Resources for: Childcare, Eldercare, Legal, Financial, and Coaching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance