What are the responsibilities and job description for the Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable John R. Padova position at City of Philadelphia?
First Judicial District of PA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
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Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable John R. Padova
Union:Non-Union Position Department:Trial Division FT/PT Status:Full Time Salary:$62,476-$68,734 Note:New hires must start at step 1 of pay grade Job Description
This is a non-union Judicial Law Clerk I position in the Trial Division - Civil Section. The salary grade is G-49.
Application Instructions
To be considered for employment at FJD, candidates must submit a completed employment application on our website at https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/cyberweb and click on Apply Now button to create an account or to log into their existing account.
A completed application and writing sample must be submitted by 11:59 PM on 11/10/2026.
About FJD
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is the Philadelphia County Court System composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. Our mission 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.
Benefits Summary
Full-time employees of the FJD are eligible for the following benefits:
The Civil Section has jurisdiction over actions at law and equity along with appeals from Municipal Court and certain administrative agencies and boards. The Trial Division Civil Section has jurisdiction over civil claims involving amounts in excess of $10,000. The variety of civil actions that may be brought in the Trial Division Civil Section includes Negligence, Contract and Equity Action.
Position Summary
The Clerk provides professional level legal work as a research assistant supporting judges of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. The Judicial Law Clerk work involves providing members of the judiciary with assistance in preparation of writing briefs, opinions and similar material.
By Order of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, effective September 1, 2005, all law clerks employed by judges of the courts of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in which the judge by whom they are employed serves. Further, in courts which have no formally established divisions or sections, the law clerks are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the court itself.
The Judicial Law Clerk is a confidential employee and serves at the discretion and pleasure of the judge.
Requirements
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all- inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Provide general information about the assigned functions.
Performs related work as required.
Environmental Conditions
Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.
Direct contact with diverse court clientele.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District of PA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Start Over with Job Search
Returning Applicant? Login Now
Judicial Law Clerk I for the Honorable John R. Padova
Union:Non-Union Position Department:Trial Division FT/PT Status:Full Time Salary:$62,476-$68,734 Note:New hires must start at step 1 of pay grade Job Description
This is a non-union Judicial Law Clerk I position in the Trial Division - Civil Section. The salary grade is G-49.
Application Instructions
To be considered for employment at FJD, candidates must submit a completed employment application on our website at https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/cyberweb and click on Apply Now button to create an account or to log into their existing account.
A completed application and writing sample must be submitted by 11:59 PM on 11/10/2026.
About FJD
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is the Philadelphia County Court System composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. Our mission 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.
Benefits Summary
Full-time employees of the FJD are eligible for the following benefits:
- FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
- 8-weeks of Paid parental leave
- Generous paid time off: 10 days’ vacation, 15 sicks days, 5 annual (paid personal) leave days, 12 paid holidays.
- Comprehensive and affordable health coverage to meet you and your family’s needs.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer such as the FJD.
- Pension through Philadelphia Municipal Employees Retirement Plan
- 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plan is tax-advantage retirement plan to accelerate your retirement savings by putting money aside pretax into investment portfolios. This is separate from your pension.
- Tuition Discounts and Scholarships: FJD participates in the City of Philadelphia’s Return to Learning Partnership Program to provide access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Discounts range between 10% to 40%.
The Civil Section has jurisdiction over actions at law and equity along with appeals from Municipal Court and certain administrative agencies and boards. The Trial Division Civil Section has jurisdiction over civil claims involving amounts in excess of $10,000. The variety of civil actions that may be brought in the Trial Division Civil Section includes Negligence, Contract and Equity Action.
Position Summary
The Clerk provides professional level legal work as a research assistant supporting judges of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. The Judicial Law Clerk work involves providing members of the judiciary with assistance in preparation of writing briefs, opinions and similar material.
By Order of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, effective September 1, 2005, all law clerks employed by judges of the courts of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in which the judge by whom they are employed serves. Further, in courts which have no formally established divisions or sections, the law clerks are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the court itself.
The Judicial Law Clerk is a confidential employee and serves at the discretion and pleasure of the judge.
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- Membership of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a requirement for Law Clerk 1; however, if you are a current member of the Bar, you must be and remain in good standing.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills.
- Appropriate experience in the use of Windows Software applications.
- Satisfactory clearance of a criminal background investigation
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Must work in person (not remote).
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all- inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Researches legal sources for briefs or opinions based on statutory law, decisions and precedents of higher courts.
- Searches for and studies legal records and documents to obtain data applicable to cases under consideration.
- Prepares rough drafts of opinions.
- Maintains file on case documents and all related correspondence.
Provide general information about the assigned functions.
Performs related work as required.
Environmental Conditions
Standard courtroom and clerical office conditions.
Direct contact with diverse court clientele.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of the components and functions of the justice system.
- Knowledge of the techniques and processes of legal research.
- Knowledge of the preparation of motions, petitions and similar instruments.
- Ability to prepare, for judicial approval, orders and opinions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court personnel, departmental administrators, attorneys and associates.
- Ability to use Lexis/Nexis and WestLaw.
- Excellent writing and research skills.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District of PA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Salary : $62,476 - $68,734