Law Clerk

Attorney IThe Attorney I is responsible for assisting county judges by drafting orders and opinions, researching legal issues, and performing legal and administrative support services/case management.Essential duties include attending civil and criminal trials, oral arguments, miscellaneous hearings and conferences; preparing jury charges during jury trials; researching various areas of the law and assisting Judge in drafting opinions and orders for appeals and various pre-trial and post-trial motions; providing non-legal procedural advice to attorneys appearing before the Judge, especially regarding Chester County local rules; assisting Judge during settlement conferences, administrative conferences, and pre-trial conferences; reviewing court files to determine legal issues presented by motions, petitions, preliminary objections, etc.; preparing memoranda for Judge summarizing the arguments and legal issues of specific motions, etc.; contacting attorneys to coordinate meeting times and matters to be addressed; tracking legal filings to ensure litigants have complied with our orders; assisting Family Court Judges with required court assistance for Protection from Abuse filings; providing legal and administrative support to divisions of the court when required (family, civil, criminal and orphans); updating legal reporters, statutes and research materials in chambers library; assisting in the preparation of local rules or other administrative tasks, as necessary; tracking all filings and ensuring compliance with the time limitations of PA RJA No. 703; serving as liaison between the Judge and attorneys or other parties; discussing case management issues with Judge; providing Judge with statistical reports and spreadsheets regarding the status of cases; coordinating with Prothonotary's Office to ensure that all pleadings are included in the Court's file; supervising law student interns and summer law clerks; providing legal counsel to Court Administration, Prothonotary's Office, law clerks and judicial secretaries; advising Judge of any changes in the law that will affect procedures; and performing other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience include a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, at least one year of job-related experience, member of the Pennsylvania Bar or ability to obtain a license to practice law in Pennsylvania within one year, strong legal research skills, excellent writing and reading skills, ability to work independently, excellent verbal and written communication skills, accurate and detail oriented, ability to establish priorities and multi-task, ability to research applicable case law and cite cases, must attend 12 hours of CLE annually, working knowledge of Pennsylvania Rules of Civil, Criminal and Appellate Procedures, working knowledge of Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys, and a valid driver's license is required.Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience include three years of litigation experience, strong knowledge of Chester County Rules of Civil Procedures, working knowledge of legal processes involved in Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary civil and criminal dockets, excellent organizational and time management skills, must be able to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters, exhibits sound and accurate judgement, knowledge and skill with standard office equipment (fax, copier, calculator, etc.), intermediate skill to use a personal computer and various software packages, ability to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions, ability to remain focused on daily operations, and ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy. Computer Skills include basic to intermediate Word skills, basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar), Westlaw legal research skills, and court system software. Physical Demands include sitting, climbing stairs, talking or hearing, standing, walking, lifting or carrying items, working with arms above shoulder height; kneeling, stooping, crouching or squatting; and driving a vehicle to and from different locations. Work Environment includes a usually quiet noise level, work performed inside 100% of the time, and sitting for extended periods of time. Other requirements include working extended hours, as necessary, professionalism, and confidentiality.