Staff Attorney I - Trial Division, Civil - City of Philadelphia

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 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 into the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

This is professional legal work supporting the judiciary of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.  Work involves providing the judges assistance with writing briefs and memoranda, drafting opinions, and advising on legal and administrative issues. This position reports directly to the Director and/or Department head of programs such as commerce, complex litigation, senior judge complex, motions, and the post-conviction relief act unit. 

Pursuant to the Supreme Court's Per Curiam Order dated December 29, 2015, an attorney employed in the Unified Judicial System shall be prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in which the attorney is employed. 

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

• Responsibilities include (i) conducting research, (ii) drafting legal memoranda and orders; and (iii) drafting judicial opinions
• Provide reports and recommendations to judges on complex legal issues presented in both motions and statutory appeals from local and state agencies.
• Ability to prepare, for judicial approval, notices, orders, and opinions
• Review and draft dispositions on petitions for relief.
• Handle emergency responsibilities during business hours.  This requires interfacing with other departments/division, judges and judicial staff, and members of the public.
• Provide support, on a flexible as-needed basis, to judges.
• Research legal sources for briefs or opinions based on statutory law, decisions, and precedents of higher courts.
• Search for and study legal records and documents to obtain data applicable to cases under consideration.
• Prepare 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.
• Maintain files on case documents and all related correspondence.
• Complete administrative tasks associated with assigned caseload.
• 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.
• Perform related work as required with strict adherence to deadlines.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Provide general information pertaining to the assigned functions.

Perform related work as required.

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 the state and local rules of civil and criminal procedure and statutes;
• Knowledge of the civil case management system (Banner) and criminal case management system (CPCMS);
• Ability to analyze a variety of administrative and procedural problems and to make sound recommendations as to their solution;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, attorneys, supervisors and judiciary;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others;
• Ability to take initiative, set priorities and meet deadlines and to complete assignments in a timely fashion;
• Considerable knowledge of the components and functions of the Trial system;
• Knowledge of legal terminology, of the techniques and processes of legal research, and how to prepare motions, petitions and similar instruments;
• Ability to prepare orders and opinions on petitions, motions and appeals filed, for judicial approval; and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court and departmental administrators, attorneys and associates.

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. Must be a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in good standing prior to employment start date.
2. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
3. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
4. Covid-19 Vaccination recommended.
5. 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: $67,037 - $74,215 (G51)

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