Law Clerk – Post-Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”) Unit, Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Trial Division

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
• Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
• Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits – We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The PCRA Unit who preliminarily reviews all PCRA petitions and identifies cases where there is a need for court appointed counsel. Staff attorneys in this Unit also prepare opinions and dispositional orders for second and subsequent petitions where the sentencing judge is no longer sitting.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY MAY 1, 2023

Job Description

GENERAL DEFINITION

The 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.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY MAY 1, 2023.

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.

• Review petitions and procedural history
• Research 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 FUNCTIONS

Provide general information about the assigned functions.

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard clerical office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.

AND

1. Three years of experience as a law clerk or practicing attorney preferred.
2. Knowledge of the techniques and processes of legal research and preparation of memoranda, petitions, and similar instruments.
3. Ability to prepare, for judicial approval, 907 notices, orders, and opinions.
4. Strong organizational, communication, and writing skills.
5. Superior writing and analytical skills.
6. City residency required within six (6) months of satisfactory completion of a six (6) month orientation period.
7. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
8. Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation.
9. Covid-19 Vaccination is recommended.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY MAY 1, 2023.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Knowledge 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.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY MAY 1, 2023.

Additional Information

SALARY: $56,683 – $62,360 (G49)

FILING DEADLINE: May 1, 2023

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY MAY 1, 2023.

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

The First Judicial District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.