Judicial Law Clerk I to Judge James Gavin (Court Admin. Dept.)

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position performs 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.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Review pretrial briefs and other submissions for completeness; summarize information presented, identify pertinent issues and other noteworthy elements; conduct research into precedential and related cases, laws and opinions; summarize such findings, including likely outcome based on information available; submit such information to assigned judge; prepare multiple summaries for all judges involved in en banc panel (or argument court) cases.
• Attend court hearings and trials, observe proceedings and take notes of arguments, points made, testimony presented and other activities of potential use in reaching decisions; confer with judge when questions of law arise during proceedings; research such questions so trial or hearing can continue unimpeded; attend pretrial conferences to identify issues raised, points of law to be addressed and any particular circumstances that may arise during trial; anticipate likelihood of such points of law, motions and other procedural issues and prepare research/opinions necessary to resolve same.
• Discuss cases with judge, insuring consideration of all salient points raised and related issues of law; express opinion and insure understanding of judge’s viewpoint and intention; draft opinions and orders for cases, including both civil and criminal, sentencing decisions and related matters; ensure proper citation of applicable statutory and precedential guidelines; answer judge’s questions about citations, intent and other elements of such drafts; receive final documents from judge; may edit for style, grammar, or other non-legal matters.
• Provide back-up to other positions, as needed.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Occasionally travel on an as-needed basis for training and to complete assigned duties.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctorate degree or education equivalent to completion of a law degree from an accredited college or university, and eligibility for admittance to the Pennsylvania Bar.
• One year of experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working 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 the 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 relevant law and precedent, and judicial viewpoints.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds for a short distance.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office and/or courtroom environment.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.