Law Clerk I - Post-Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”) Unit

Work-LifeWorking 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.Position SummaryThe PCRA Law Clerk I is a full-time, in person position for the Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Trial Division. An employee in this class is responsible for professional legal work as a law clerk reviewing and drafting dispositions on petitions for relief under the Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA). The primary task of a law clerk in the PCRA Unit is to review motions and case history to draft 907 notices, orders, and opinions for review by the designated PCRA Judge. Work performed involves a greater degree of expertise due to the greater volume of cases for review and the need to function in a specialized area of law.  By Order of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, effective September 1, 2005, all law clerks employed by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Courts are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in which they work and are employed. Further, in courts with no formally established divisions or sections, the law clerks are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the court itself.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 FunctionsThe 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.Review petitions and procedural historyResearch 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.Prepares high-quality briefs, orders, and opinions by reviewing documents, files, and case correspondence and submit to assigned judicial authority for review and signature in a timely manner.Completes docketing and service of notices, orders, and opinions.Maintains files on case documents and all related correspondence.Completes administrative tasks associated with assigned caseload.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members of the judiciary, court and departmental administrators, and diverse court clientele and members of the public.Performs related work as required.MARGINAL FUNCTIONSProvide general information about the assigned functions.Performs related work as required.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONSStandard courtroom and clerical office conditions.Direct contact with diverse court clientele.Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of the components and functions of the justice system.Knowledge of legal research techniques and preparation of memoranda, petitions, and similar instruments.Ability to prepare for judicial approval, 907 notices, 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 perform administrative tasks in an effective and organized fashion.Ability to use Westlaw and criminal court databases.Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.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.