The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, an intermediate appellate court of
the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, is seeking a Chief Legal Counsel.
Established in 1968, the Court is unique in that its jurisdiction focuses on
matters involving state and local government. In addition to being an
intermediate appellate court, it also has extensive original jurisdiction in actions
brought by or against the Commonwealth. You will have a leadership position
in a distinguished and well-respected organization offering competitive
compensation, excellent benefits, and opportunities to learn and grow.

The Chief Legal Counsel plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective operations
of the Court. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the
administration of justice and provide legal guidance to judicial officers.
Working in close collaboration with the President Judge and senior staff, you
will contribute expertise and insight across a broad spectrum of legal and
administrative domains.

This position is responsible for managing the operations of the Court’s Office of
Chief Legal Counsel. As the head of this department, you will lead and mentor a
team of accomplished attorneys and administrative professionals. Together,
this staff coordinates judicial assignments, conducts in-depth research on
complex legal matters, attends court proceedings, provides legal support to
judges handling single-judge assignments, and drafts orders and opinions
addressing a wide variety of legal matters. Exceptional leadership, supervisory,
and interpersonal skills are paramount in this role.

Because of the Court’s unique jurisdiction, the successful candidate must
possess an in-depth knowledge of administrative agency law, appellate
jurisprudence and procedure, and have experience as a civil litigator. Strong
legal writing and editing skills are required, as well as the ability to express
thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing.

The ideal candidate will embrace innovation and implement changes
diplomatically. This candidate will cultivate a positive work environment and
demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and outstanding legal acumen to
navigate complex challenges effectively. The candidate must also be discrete
and maintain confidentiality and the highest ethical standards.

The selection process will include a first-round interview with a hiring
committee in early summer 2024. Second-round interviews for selected
candidates will be scheduled by mid-summer 2024 and will be conducted
before the full Court. The Court plans to make a final selection in July 2024.

Chief Legal Counsel

Posted: April 25, 2024 Status: Full-Time Hire

Department: Office Chief Legal Counsel Schedule: Monday—Friday

Location: Harrisburg Salary: $150,000 - *

• Commensurate with experience

• Manage staff attorneys and support personnel in the Court’s Office

• Perform management duties required of a department head,

• Review filings requiring Court action, such as applications for relief

• Identify and alert the President Judge and other appropriate

• Prepare file notes to inform the Court of special circumstances in

• Coordinate the scheduling of single-judge duty week arguments

• Provide legal, case management, and administrative support to

• Supervise staff attorneys who support single-judge assignments,

• Assist with case management and administrative support for

• Provide legal support to chambers in need of additional assistance

• Support staff who review docketing statements to recommend

• Recommend cases suitable for oral argument or submission on

• Review draft opinions, provide recommendations, and compile and

• Supervise administrative staff who process applications for

• Monitor Pennsylvania Supreme Court case law developments and

• Disseminate legislative summaries, conduct legal education

• Consult with the Board of Judges on Court operations and advise

• Attend Court sessions and related activities as required, and

• Other duties as assigned.

Primary Duties/Duties of Office of Chief Legal Counsel

Additional Preferences / Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of

• Knowledge of the applicable Rules of Court with emphasis on the

• Skill in analyzing, appraising, and organizing facts, evidence, and

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances,

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

• Experience with court management.

Qualifications
• Graduation from an accredited School of Law and possession of a

certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of
Pennsylvania.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible legal experience,

• Experience with administrative and management duties.
• Knowledge of the workings of the Commonwealth Court and the

Human Resources

Interested individuals should email their resume, cover letter/letter of
interest, references, and writing sample of no more than five pages
by May 20, 2024 to: CommonwealthCourtJobs@pacourts.us

Unified Judicial System Hiring Policy

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania recruits, employs, and promotes the most qualified applicants without
regard to their political affiliation, race, color, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
religion, disability, or other non-merit facts or considerations. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to
applicants with disabilities as may be necessary to ensure that all applicants are given a fair and equal opportunity to
compete for all employment positions. Applicants who need accommodation for an interview should request so in
advance. UJS hiring and employment policies and procedures are intended to conform to all applicable state and federal
laws governing fair and non-discriminatory hiring and employment practices and are subject to change as necessary to
remain in compliance with such laws.