What are the responsibilities and job description for the Judicial Law Clerk / Custody Facilitator position at Juvenile Probation Office (County of Fayette)?
To assist the Judge by conducting legal research and drafting opinions, orders, memoranda, and correspondence and assist with other professional legal duties; to facilitate custody pleadings and orders in dependency and protection from abuse actions; and to maintain efficiency and order in the court.
A.
Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution
Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar (or eligibility for admission)
Good written communication
B.
Prior experience working in or with the Pennsylvania court system is preferred
1. Researches, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authority in the preparation of written judicial opinions, orders, and legal memoranda for criminal and civil proceedings, litigation, and appeals, including pro se and prisoner litigation.
2. Attends all courtroom proceedings; takes notes for oral arguments, OPT hearings, civil hearings, and PCRA hearings.
3. Attends all settlement and pre-trial conferences.
4. Facilitates custody pleadings and orders in dependency and PFA cases.
5. Analyzes court legal rulings and prepares interpretations.
6. Reviews and screens court documents presented to the Judge and proactively addresses problems or issues, including procedural defects according to the rules of Pennsylvania and Fayette County.
7. Reviews petitions for divorce decrees for procedural compliance with the Pennsylvania Divorce Code; recommends proper disposition to the Judge.
8. Maintains a dynamic list of upcoming proceedings; prepares summaries of the parties, issues, and arguments for presentation to the Judge.
9. Maintains a comprehensive list of deliverables and due dates, in particular for 1925(b) and PCRA matters; periodically reviews outstanding deliverables with the Judge.
10. Prepares and updates reference memoranda on Pennsylvania law related to key issues frequently encountered (e.g., legality of traffic stops or vehicle searches).
11. Prepares appropriate jury instructions for all criminal and civil jury trials.
12. Serves as liaison between attorneys and the Judge;
13. Opens and closes the courtroom; prepares the courtroom for cases, including setting up Zoom and Polycom calls and replenishing supplies of blank forms.
14. Retrieves and prepares daily case files from the Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, and/or Register of Wills.
15. Administers oaths to parties; assures order is maintained throughout the proceedings.
16. Records and serves final hearing dates and times to PFA petitioners.
17. Confirms attendance of jurors and contacts absent jurors for scheduled trials.
18. Directs jurors; calls witnesses/attorneys when needed in courtroom.
19. Arranges for meals and makes telephone calls for jurors and the Judge; attends to any other necessary details while jurors are in courts.
20. Assists with the sequestration process when necessary by providing around the clock coverage.
21. Retrieves copies of the Judge’s priority motions for Motions Court; delivers other mail, papers, and messages to the Judge.
22. Delivers orders and communications to appropriate row offices.
23.Undergo training and complete certification to carry a taser for security.
1. Keeps updated on changes in Pennsylvania legislation and case law.
2. Keeps updated on current working procedures and protocols within the court systems.
3. Attends seminars, training or meetings as required.
4. Performs other job duties as required.
Receives occasional instruction and some supervision from Judge in regard to daily work duties.
None
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $61,035.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Salary : $61,035
