Judicial Law Clerk – Appellate Law

Job Description

Law Clerk | Superior Court of Pennsylvania

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, located on-site in Pennsylvania with potential for telework at the discretion of Judge Ford Elliott. The Superior Court operates as one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts, responsible for resolving appeals from lower courts and shaping legal precedent. This Law Clerk position plays a vital role in supporting judicial functions by providing meticulous legal analysis and drafting critical legal documents, directly contributing to the administration of justice and the effective resolution of complex legal disputes within the Commonwealth.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: On-site in Pennsylvania with potential for telework
• Pay: $68083–$80925 yearly
• Mission: To assist the court in resolving legal issues by conducting comprehensive research, analysis, and drafting of judicial dispositions.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Word

What You’ll Actually Do
• Research: Conduct comprehensive legal research on intricate issues presented before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
• Analysis: Perform detailed legal analysis, applying relevant legal concepts and precedents to complex factual scenarios.
• Memoranda: Draft clear, concise, and persuasive legal memoranda outlining legal arguments and recommendations for judicial consideration.
• Opinions: Prepare draft judicial opinions that articulate the court’s reasoning and rulings on appellate matters.
• Dispositions: Formulate other necessary dispositions and documents required to resolve issues and cases pending before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This role is suitable for an early-career legal professional holding a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited U.S. Law School. Candidates must be admitted to and in good standing with the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. A satisfactory criminal background check is a mandatory requirement for employment.
• Experience: While specific years of experience are not explicitly stated, candidates should possess the foundational knowledge and practical skills expected from a J.D. graduate. Preferred qualifications include prior appellate experience or previous judicial clerkship experience, indicating a readiness for the specialized demands of an appellate court environment.
• Skills: Applicants must demonstrate strong writing skills, essential for drafting legal documents and opinions that are both precise and persuasive. Key analytical skills include the ability to synthesize large amounts of information into relevant parts and analyze them with reference to pertinent legal concepts. The role also demands intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and the capability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team, along with maintaining positive professional relationships. Proficiency with the latest version of Microsoft Word is also required.
• Bonus: Preferred candidates will bring appellate experience or prior judicial clerkship experience, showcasing a foundational understanding of judicial processes and appellate practice. The ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships, coupled with intellectual curiosity and flexibility, will be highly valued in this role.