Law Clerk

JOB SUMMARY

The law clerk performs duties for two Court of Common Pleas Judges and works closely with Court Administration. Duties include conducting legal research, preparing bench memos, drafting orders and opinions, proofreading Judges' orders and opinions, verifying citations, assisting with case management, attending court proceedings, and maintaining the law library. The work is performed directly for and under the supervision of an assigned Judge serving on the Court of Common Pleas. The position is both a paid position and a learning experience.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The law clerk reports directly to the Common Pleas Judges. The law clerk falls under the umbrella and supervision of the McKean County Court of Common Pleas.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Law clerks perform a variety of job functions, including reviewing pretrial briefs and other submissions for completeness; summarizing information presented; identifying pertinent issues and other noteworthy elements; conducting research into precedential and related cases, laws and opinions; summarizing such findings, including likely outcome based on information available; attending court hearings and trials; observing proceedings and taking notes on arguments, points made, testimony presented and other activities of potential use in reaching decisions; conferring with judge when questions of law arise during proceedings; researching such questions so trial or hearing can continue unimpeded; attending pretrial conferences to identify issues raised, points of law to be addressed and any particular circumstances that may arise during trial; anticipating likelihood of such points of law, motions, and other procedural issues, and; preparing research/opinions necessary to resolve same. Law clerks discuss cases with the judge, ensuring consideration of all salient points raised and related issues of law. Law clerks must be able to understand judge's viewpoint and intention so that they may draft opinions and orders for cases, including both civil and criminal, sentencing decisions and related matters. Law clerks ensure proper citation of applicable statutory and precedential guidelines and answer judge's questions. Clerks receive final documents from their judge and may edit for style, grammar, or other non-legal matters. Law clerks perform related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

: Applicants must have received a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited at the time of matriculation or graduation (3rd year law students may also submit application but cannot begin employment until obtain law degree).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants should submit the following information to Patricia Brown, Court Administrator, by email at PABrown@mckeancountypa.gov 1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae 2. Unofficial law school transcript (an official transcript may be required following the job interview) 3. Writing sample

Pay:

$72,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Doctorate (Required)

Work Location:

In person