What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Clerk (Philadelphia/Harrisburg) Commonwealth Court position at Administrative Office of PA Courts?
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 Honorable Judge Tsai is accepting applicants for a term law clerk within her Philadelphia or Harrisburg chambers. 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.
- Reads, analyzes, and interprets lower court record(s), agency briefs, and/or appellate court briefs.
- 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.
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: $66,585
Commencement: on or after January 5, 2026
With your application, please submit a resume, legal writing sample, references and a transcript.
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.
Salary : $66,585