Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable Michele Hangley - Civil Trial Division

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Agency Description

The Civil Section has jurisdiction over actions at law and equity along with appeals from Municipal Court and certain administrative agencies and boards. The Trial Division Civil Section has jurisdiction over civil claims involving amounts in excess of $10,000. The variety of civil actions that may be brought in the Trial Division Civil Section includes Negligence, Contract and Equity Action.

Position Summary

This is professional legal work as a research assistant supporting judges of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Work involves providing members of the judiciary with assistance in preparation of writing briefs, opinions and similar material.

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.

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. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Researches 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.
• Prepares rough drafts of opinions.
• Maintains file on case documents and all related correspondence.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Provide general information about the assigned functions.

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

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.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the components and functions of the justice system.
• Knowledge of the techniques and processes of legal research.
• Knowledge of the preparation of motions, petitions and similar instruments.
• Ability to prepare for judicial approval, orders and opinions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court personnel, departmental administrators, attorneys and associates.
• Ability to use Westlaw and/or Lexis/Nexis.

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.

1. Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
2. Membership of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a requirement for Law Clerk 1; however, if you are a current member of the Bar, you must be, and remain in, good standing.
3. Demonstrated commitment to public interest is a plus.
4. Strong academic background.
5. Superior writing and analytical skills.
6. Appropriate experience in the use of Windows Software applications.
7. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
8. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
9. Must work in person (not remote).

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.

Salary: 

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• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
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Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx