What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hearing Officer - Domestic Relations position at Chester County of Pennsylvania?
Summary
The Hearing Officer presides over and makes recommendations in court cases concerning divorce, alimony, juvenile delinquency or dependency, child custody, counsel fees and equitable distribution. Performing quasi-judicial functions created pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, the Hearing Officer is responsible for performing the functions of a Special Hearing Officer in Divorce, Custody Conciliator, Hearing Officer in Support or Juvenile Delinquency or Dependency Hearing Officer, and in all areas of family and juvenile law.
Essential Duties
- Preside over record hearings in support, divorce, equitable distribution and alimony.
- Conduct custody conciliations.
- Preside over juvenile delinquency and dependency matters.
- Write juvenile delinquency and dependency orders or custody recommendations.
- Preside over record hearings in support cases.
- Conduct settlement conferences with counsel and litigants.
- Research and write juvenile delinquency and dependency opinions.
- Research and write support opinions.
- Send or respond to correspondence and scheduling matters.
- Conduct preliminary conferences with counsel.
- Preside over settlement conferences with counsel.
- Attend monthly staff meetings with the Family Court Judges and Family Court Administrator.
- Attend meetings and supervise clerical support staff.
- Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.
Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
- Six years recent legal experience with complex family law litigation.
- Attorney license in good standing to practice law in Pennsylvania.
- Member of the Pennsylvania Bar.
- Familiarity with the pertinent statues, rules of procedure, rules of evidence, regulations and case law is essential.
- Able to perform cash flow analyses and support calculations.
- Strong trial skills.
- Strong knowledge of family law and civil procedures.
- Strong knowledge of courtroom procedures.
- Strong communications and negotiations skills
- Strong ability to control courtroom proceedings, including: ruling on evidence objections, creating a complete record, facilitating settlements and memorializing agreements.
- Ability to analyze evidence and write thorough recommendations
- Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar.
- Understanding the Rules of Civil Procedures and applicable statutes.
- Ability to make firm, unbiased decisions.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Accurate and detail-oriented.
- Strong professional ethics.
- Twelve hours of continuing legal education is required annually.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience: - A minimum of five years of experience as a trial attorney or family practitioner.
- Attorney license.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with guidelines, regulations, statutes and case law.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to confer with colleagues on legal issues.
- Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
- Demonstrates integrity and honesty.
- General understanding of human resources guidelines.
Additional Information
Computer Skills:
- Basic Word skills
- Basic Microsoft Office skills
- Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
- Basic knowledge and skills of Westlaw (courtroom system software)
Budget Director
Office of the Chief Financial Officer -
Wilmington, DE
Domestic Helper
Private household -
Middletown, DE
Attorney - Non Profit
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County -
West Chester, PA
