This legal research role involves reviewing legal documents, identifying key issues, conducting research into statutes and precedents, and drafting legal opinions and orders. The work is performed directly for an assigned Judge on the Court of Common Pleas.
Responsibilities
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 findings, including likely outcome based on available information, and submit to the 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 the 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 the likelihood of such points of law, motions, and other procedural issues and prepare research/opinions necessary to resolve them
Discuss cases with the judge, ensure consideration of all salient points raised and related issues of law
Express opinion and ensure understanding of the 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 the judge's questions about citations, intent, and other elements of such drafts
Receive final documents from the judge; may edit for style, grammar, or other non-legal matters
Serve as a liaison between the Court of Common Pleas and the attorney
Perform related work as required
Requirements
Must either be a member of the Bar of Pennsylvania or 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
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
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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
Pre-employment background check as required by policy
Ability to sit for long periods of time
Ability to communicate with court and non-court personnel
Ability to frequently go from one location to another (e.g., courtroom, chambers, non-court offices)
Ability to regularly lift and/or move judicial files weighing up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift boxes with case files
Ability to operate a laptop or PC and/or any other general office equipment
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits
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
In courts with no formally established division or sections, 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 noise level in the work environment is usually moderate (office with typewriters/printers and light traffic)
About the Company
Lancaster County offers job security and stability within a growing community.
