Legal Clerk I - Jury Selection - Trial Division

  • Full-time
  • Minimum Education Required: High School/GED

Company Description

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.

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.

Job Description

Position Summary

An employee in this position is considered a valuable member of a team and provides support to Jury Commission staff. Duties are performed following well-established procedures, including processing Legal documents, with or without close supervision. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of the department manager.

This is entry level clerical legal work.  It differs from the nonlegal clerical classes by the constant work with legal documents and the degree of consequence of error and accountability involving the abstraction of pertinent information from legal documents in summary form to a docket which may serve as a basis for possible legal activity by counsel and the judiciary.  Work is performed according to clearly defined rules and procedures, under direct supervision, in a training mode.

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 general duties are normal for the Legal Clerk I position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Effectively communicates authorized court information.
  • Works directly with judiciary and their staff regarding case management principles.
  • Works directly with department heads of external civil and/or criminal agencies involving Jury Commission.
  • Thorough knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, and procedures as they apply to the assigned function.
  • Returns incorrect documents for appropriate action if necessary.
  • Answering phones and providing customer service.
  • Complete knowledge of the court mainframe screen to better assist the caller.
  • Sort, open, and distribute daily mail.
  • Reviews legal documents; determines status and processes in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Enters status into the court mainframe computer.
  • Responsible for any and all changes regarding personal information.
  • Type letters corresponding to the appropriate status.
  • Operates burster and sealer machines and standard office equipment.
  • Knowledge of and ability to read all computer screens.
  • Process undeliverable within the mainframe.
  • Open, reviews and determines the proper procedure of the incoming letters.
  • Sort and maintain an archive filing system.
  • Keep abreast of all new procedures.
  • Rescheduling and manually moving information from one date to another date.
  • Determining correct procedure to use when rescheduling.
  • Processing requests from the IVR.
  • Daily contact with the public to provide assistance.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Answers the telephone or may meet or greet callers.

Provides general information pertaining to assigned function.

Replenishes computer printer, copier, or fax machine paper supplies.

Performs other duties as assigned.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard office/courtroom conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

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

  • Ability to summarize pertinent information; reason, apply common sense and understand instructions.
  • Ability to resolve problems arising from standard and nonstandard situations.
  • Thorough knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, and procedures, as they apply to the assigned function.
  • After training, knowledge of Juror for Windows software as they apply to the job responsibilities.
  • Ability to understand, carryout and effectively communicate all revisions to current case management practices.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judiciary, FJD employees, external civil and criminal justice partners and the public.

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

Qualifications

  1. High school diploma or equivalent and one to two years of progressively responsible clerical experience processing legal documents.

                                         OR

  1. Equivalent combinations of training and experience providing the characteristics required to perform the essential functions of the class may substitute.
  2. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
  3. Extensive knowledge of computers and Windows applications preferred.
  4. Ability to maintain professional, courteous, and effective working relationships with court personnel, the judiciary, and the general public, at all times.
  5. Ability to escort jury panels to assigned courtrooms as needed.
  6. Ability to address a group of upwards to 300 people.
  7. Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation.
  8. Strong customer service skills needed.
  9. Ability to perform the essential functions of a position in this class.
  10. Covid-19 vaccination is recommended.
  11. Must work on site (not remote).                                            

Additional Information

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: $38,123 - $41,437

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 City offers its employees 4 weeks of paid parental leave.
  • 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

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