Summary

The Family Court Legal Specialist is responsible for performing legal assignments and monitoring for compliance with state and local Family Court Rules. This includes reviewing various filings (divorce reviews, motions, pleadings, etc.) in the Family Court Division. This position also provides administrative support to the Family Court Judges, the Family Court Administrator and the Hearing Officers.

This job requires the following documents to be obtained, reviewed as acceptable by the supervisor and re-obtained every five years: PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History and FBI Criminal History.

Essential Duties

• Coordinate efforts with the Family Court Administrator to prepare and manage Family Court hearing schedules, trial lists, complex support lists, etc.
• Coordinate the processing of PFA filings, in conjunction with the Family Court Administrator
• Responsible for the procedural review of Family Court filings that include, but are not limited to:
• Pleadings and document review
• Divorce review, remand and final decree recommendations and preparation for court involving complex legal issues
• Rule review and recommendations
• Develop and implement case flow management systems, monitor case flow and suggest ways of improving case flow procedures in Family Court
• Provide administrative support and recommendations to judges regarding Family Court matters
• Participate in preparing and teaching CLE classes with the Bar Association regarding Family Court practices, procedures and substantive rule/law changes
• Assess and troubleshoot problems and concerns
• Handle clerical duties as necessary
• Maintain and update lists and database files
• Cross train in specific functions of the Family Court Administrator to assist when necessary and process job responsibilities in her absence
• Serve as liaison between the court and the legal community

Schedule and attend meetings with Family Court Judges and Hearing Officers to make recommendations and update court procedures

• Attend educational conferences, classes, meetings and professional functions to learn new skills as well as to provide training to others and to represent the court in a professional manner
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate with a current license to practice law in Pennsylvania
• Strong professional ethics
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Basic to Intermediate skills to use a personal computer and various software packages
• Knowledge and skill with modern office equipment
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania and Local Rules of Civil Procedure
• Familiarity with Pa.C.S. Title 23
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management
• A valid driver’s license is required

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Family Law and/or three to four years of Family Law experience and/or Court Administration experience
• Active membership in local Bar Association
• Administrative experience
• Ability to follow office protocols
• Common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to establish priorities (while remaining focused on daily operations)
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Focus to carry tasks to completion
• Flexibility
• Willingness to learn new tasks
• Multi-tasking capability
• Familiarity with local practices and procedures for scheduling, filing and service of court documents and advance sheets
• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures
• General knowledge and understanding of Court Administration policies and procedures
• Customer service experience

Additional Information

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Intermediate Word skills
• Intermediate Excel skills
• Intermediate PowerPoint skills
• Intermediate to Advanced OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Intermediate PeopleSoft skills or the ability to learn PeopleSoft
• Intermediate to Advanced knowledge and skill with Internet research
• Working knowledge and skill with Westlaw
• Working knowledge of the Court Management System or ability to learn same

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, walk, reach above shoulder height, climb stairs, and lift or carry items (files may be exceedingly heavy), and drive to and from locations.

There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• This can be a high stress position dealing with emotionally charged situations and individuals

Other:

• Professionalism required
• Ability to work extended hours, when needed