Law Clerk

Starting Compensation:

$63,297.00/Annually

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Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• This is legal research work reviewing briefs and similar legal documents, determining pertinent issues, conducting research into statutes, precedents and other circumstances bearing on such issues, and drafting opinions, orders, adjudications and similar documents. 

• The work is performed directly for and under the supervision of an assigned Judge serving on the Court of Common Pleas.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The Law Clerk resports directly to a Common Pleas Judge. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Reviews pretrial briefs and other submissions for completeness; summarized information presented, identifying pertinent issues and other noteworthy elements; conducts research into precedential and related cases, laws and opinions; summarized such findings, including likely outcome based on information available, submits such information to assigned judge; prepares multiple summaries for all judges involved in en banc panel (or argument court) cases.

• Attends court hearings and trials, observing proceedings and taking notes of arguments, points made, testimony presented and other activities of potential use in reaching decisions; confers with judge when questions of law arise during proceedings; researches such questions so trial or hearing can continue unimpeded; attends pretrial conferences to identify issues raised, points of law to be addressed and any particular circumstances that may arise during trial; anticipates likelihood of such points of law, motions, and other procedural issues and prepares research/opinions necessary to resolve same.

• Discusses cases with judge, insuring consideration of all salient points raised and related issues of law; expresses opinion and insures understanding of judges viewpoint and intention; drafts opinions and orders for cases, including both civil and criminal, sentencing decisions and related matters; insures proper citation of applicable statutory and precedential guidelines; answers judges question about citations, intent and other elements of such drafts; receives final documents from judge; may edit for style, grammar or other non-legal matters.

• Performs related work as required

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• The Law Clerk serves as a liaison between the Court of Common Pleas and the attorney.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Must either be a member of the Bar of Pennsylvania or;

• Must have received without exception an earned Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree from a law school that was an accredited law school at the time of matriculation or graduation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the terminology, procedural forms and documentary practices employed in the judicial system.

• Thorough knowledge of research methods and techniques, sources, and citations commonly employed in the judicial system.

• Knowledge of the statutes, regulations, structure and operations of the civil and criminal system as applicable to the Court of Common Pleas.

• Knowledge of principles, procedures and practices of civil and criminal trials, hearings and related court activities.

• Ability to analyze legal documents, identify pertinent issues and summarize findings and conclusions.

• Ability to observe court proceedings and document activities and issues raised.

• Ability to draft opinions, memoranda, and related legal documents expressing applicable issues, relevant law and precedent, and judicial viewpoints.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• This position requires a pre-employment background check as required by policy to perform the duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• All law clerks employed in the Unified Judicial System are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in which they are employed or in which the judge by whom they are employed serves. Further, in courts which have no formally established division or sections, the law clerks are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the court itself. See also Pa.R.A.P. 3121.

• Any outside employment or commercial activities by law clerks must be reported in writing, in advance, to their employing judge or president judge.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit sometimes for long periods of time. 

• The employee has to be able to communicate with court and non-court personnel.  The employee is frequently required to go from one location to another ie. Courtroom, Chambers and/or non-court offices.

• The employee must regularly lift and/or move judicial files weighing up to 10 pounds.  Occasionally there may be some lifting involving boxes with case files.

• This position requires the ability to operate a laptop or PC and/or any other general office equipment.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. (Office with typewriters/printers and light traffic)

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.