What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Clerk / Custody Hearing Officer position at Administrative Office of PA Courts?
Page 1 of 2 Last Revised: May, 2020
Grade/ Step: _____
FLSA: Exempt
SNYDER/ UNION COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION TITLE: LAW CLERK / CUSTODY HEARING OFFICER
PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION
The purpose of this classification is to perform legal research and writing in varied areas of civil and criminal law to assist
and advise the Judge in deciding legal issues for civil and criminal litigation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them
from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be
required and assigned.
Reviews court documents and analyzes legal disputes; evaluates evidence; makes recommendations and renders decisions as
appropriate.
Researches and compiles information regarding local, state and federal laws and ordinances, case law, judicial opinions,
mandates and other sources; analyzes and interprets research; makes recommendations to assist Judge in making informed
rulings.
Prepares legal memoranda, legal opinions and orders, correspondence, court opinions, reports regarding distribution of
marital assets and alimony awards, and master reports; submits to Judge for review and approval.
Schedules pre-trial conferences and master hearings; notifies parties involved of date, time and location of conferences and
hearings; presides over conferences and hearings; renders decisions; maintains related documentation.
Determines who should receive correspondence, reports, notices and other materials for cases.
Receives and reviews various court documents, legal websites, legal treatises, statutes, regulations, codes ordinances, and other
reference materials, or other documentation.
Communicates with Judges, other Court employees, attorneys, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work
activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Operates a personal computer, general office equipment or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to
include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software (CPCMS, DataOne and LexisNexis).
Custody Hearing Officer: Reviews all divorce complaints and custody filings for compliance with Rules of Procedure.
Specifically, reviews any filing alleging an emergency basis for relief; prepares proposed orders on filings; holds emergency
conferences; tracks cases sent through mediation process. Prepares for and attends custody conferences pursuant to Pa.R.C.P
1915.4-3. Prepares timely proposed orders following custody conferences, including next steps for the custody matter.
Maintains a log of custody conference outcomes; confirms CYS involvement in any custody matter listed for trial. Arranges
CYS testimony at trial if requested by the Judge; keeping informed in changes in the law regarding custody and attends
conferences regarding the same; Assists the Court Administrator with local rule updates regarding custody to maintain forms
and county websites.
Snyder County, Pennsylvania • Law Clerk/ CHO FLSA: Exempt
Page 2 of 2 Last Revised: March, 2020
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Juris Doctor degree; supplemented by two (2) year(s) of legal experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training,
and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid
Pennsylvania Attorney’s License.
