JOB TITLE: LAW CLERK

JOB CODE: 07100

DEFINITION: This is entry level professional legal work in a commonwealth legal office for law school graduates prior to attaining admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

An employee in this job works under the close direction of an attorney to develop the legal research, analytical, and client interface skills necessary to practice law in the assigned function or program area. Work involves conducting legal research and analysis; examining and preparing legal documents; interpreting and determining the applicability of laws, regulations, rulings, and precedential opinions; and supporting attorneys in their provision of legal advice, counsel, and assistance to clients. Work initially may be of a routine nature and closely supervised, but employees perform more complex assignments with greater independence as learning progresses. Work is assigned and monitored by a supervising attorney for the sound application of legal principles and overall quality, but an attorney remains responsible for the legal decisions resulting from the employee’s research.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Researches, analyzes, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of briefs, pleadings, and related legal papers in connection with cases, trials, and other proceedings.

• Researches federal and state laws and procedures relevant to the program area.

• Prepares synopses, abstracts, and summaries of legal opinions, documents, cases, and statutes.

• Assists in the preparation of materials pertaining to proposed legislation, regulations, or policies.

• Drafts, reviews, and prepares synopses of agreements, contracts, and solicitations; and assists in the drafting and preparation of agreements, solicitations, and related documents.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of legal principles and practices.

• Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.

• Knowledge of the preparation of legal documents and records.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles, constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and precedents.

• Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and precedents and arrive at logical interpretations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.