The law clerk will research complex legal issues, analyze lower court records, and draft opinions, orders, and memoranda for the court. They will also attend court sessions and hearings while maintaining effective working relationships with judicial staff and attorneys.
Established in 1968, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania is an intermediate appellate court responsible for matters involving state and local governments and appeals from state agencies and the Courts of Common Pleas. You will be joining a distinguished and well-respected organization that provides employees with appropriate compensation, excellent benefits, and opportunities to learn and grow.
The Court is accepting applicants for a term law clerk within a Harrisburg, or Bradfordchambers.Remote applicants in the state of Pennsylvania will also be considered. The interested individual will interact with the Judge and staff extensively while researching complex legal issues that are before the court in its original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction. This position will provide the clerk with foundational experience and is well suited for a recent law school graduate or for an individual with legal experience. Outstanding research and writing skills are required.
Primary Duties
Researches legal data pertinent to caseload of judge to which assigned.
Searches for, interprets and applies statutes, court decisions, and other legal authorities on points of law involved in the preparation of legal rulings.
Prepares drafts of opinions, orders, and memoranda of law.
Proofreads and reviews circulating opinions.
Attends court sessions and hearings.
Some travel may be required.
Performs related work as required.
Qualifications
Graduation from an approved school of law; AND
Admission, in good standing, to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania within twelve months of appointment.
A satisfactory criminal background check is required.
* With your application, please submit a resume, legal writing sample, references and a transcript.Please note: These required documents must be added prior to finalizing your application.
Additional Preferences / Requirements:
Knowledge of the Unified Judicial System of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of practice.
Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.
Skill in analyzing, appraising, and organizing facts, evidence, and material, and presenting such material in a clear and logical form for oral or written presentation as opinions, memoranda, orders, or decisions.
Ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and precedents.
Ability to prepare orders and opinions for judicial approval.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court, and departmental administrators, attorneys, and staff.
Ability to self-motivate and work with minimal supervision.
Law Review preferred, but not required.
Employee Benefits
Full medical, dental, and vision benefits begin on first day of employment.
Generous annual and sick leave plus thirteen scheduled holidays per year.
Retirement plan with the State Employees' Retirement System.
Other benefits and full details can be found at www.pacourts.us under Human Resources
Salary information
Salary: $68,083-$80,925
Commencement: Fall 2026
With your application, please upload a resume, legal writing sample, references and a transcript.Please note: These required documents must be added prior to finalizing your application.
Applicants requiring accommodation, for any part of the application and/or interview process, should contact Human Resources at (717) 231-3309 or human.resources@pacourts.us.
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