Permanent Arbitrator in Divorce - Domestic Relations, Family Court - City of Philadelphia

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What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
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• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania (“FJD”) is the Philadelphia County Court System and is composed of two courts:  the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court.  The mission of the FJD is to adjudicate cases and provide services to the community within our jurisdiction while ensuring fair, timely, and accessible justice to the people of Philadelphia.  The FJD is part of the Unified Judicial System reporting in to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

This is a sophisticated legal position that requires in-depth knowledge of all aspects of divorce in Pennsylvania, and the ability to efficiently perform responsible legal work primarily concerned with divorce matters filed under the Divorce Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Reviewing pleadings, scheduling of pretrial and settlement conferences and review of pretrial and settlement memoranda, relating to all economic issues arising from divorce matters filed under Divorce Code of 1980, as amended.  An employee in this class schedules and conducts hearings of all ancillary proceedings and prepares Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and makes recommendations to the court for their resolution and prepares property settlement agreements reached in hearings before the Master. 

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

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:

• Thorough knowledge of, and ability to efficiently perform all duties and tasks associated with Proceedings before Master in Divorce, as set forth in Phila.DR.R.1920.51.
• Reviews all pleadings, petitions, motions and other applications for economic relief and in matters of divorce.
• Schedules pretrial and settlement conferences as well as hearings to determine final recommendations to the Court.
• Presides at hearings to incorporate settlement agreements into final decrees for court approval.
• Presides at all pretrial and final hearings to present recommendations to the court for entry of Order to determine all ancillary issues arising from divorce matters.
• Serves as an Arbitrator in fault proceedings under the Divorce Code where parties have filed in forma pauperis.
• Prepares written recommendations to the Court.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Standard office conditions.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of law as it relates to all aspects of divorce, including the divorce statutes, statewide and local rules of civil procedure, and applicable case law. 
• Thorough knowledge of the law as it relates to distribution of marital property.
• Thorough knowledge of practices and regulations relating to pension plans as distribution of marital property.
• Extensive knowledge of the rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of laws, statutes, and regulations as they apply to domestic relations issues.
• The ability to assist parties and their respective counsel in the negotiations of complete property settlement agreements. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with members of the judiciary, attorneys and the general public.
• Ability to present ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to fairly and objectively rule on a multitude of cases that involve highly emotional issues.
• Ability to apply legal principles to individual cases.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

1. Member in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
2. Five years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work with concentration in the domestic relations field.

OR

1. Any equivalent combination of training and experience that has provided the required knowledge, skills, and ability necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.
2. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a domestic relations attorney, with extensive practice in divorce matters; experience in complex divorce matter strongly preferred.
3. Must submit application, resume, writing sample, and a list of the captions and docket numbers of five divorce cases handled that best represent their qualifications to perform the duties of the position. After meeting minimum application standards by a panel review, must complete an evaluation and interview process.
4. Successful completion of criminal background investigation.
5. Ability to perform essential functions of the position.
6. Covid-19 vaccination recommended.
7. Full-time on site position.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Salary Range: $91,887 - $102,516 (G55)

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The First Judicial District of PA offers 4 weeks of paid parental leave.
• The First Judicial District of PA does not have a residency requirement.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx