Supervising Staff Attorney

The Attorney III supervises the legal unit of the DRS, and provides representation in hearings and court. The unit is primarily comprised of 2 IVD Staff Attorneys who also provide representation to Plaintiff’s seeking child support.

• Supervise and direct activities of the Legal Unit. 
• Evaluate performance, record time and other logistics for direct reports. 
• Mentor, assist and provide training as needed. 
• Ensure activities adhere to the Cooperative Agreement. 
• Provide representation to Plaintiff’s at Support, Contempt Hearings, as well as Paternity Matters when IVD Counsel is required. 
• Provide representation in registration of out of county or out of state support obligations. 
• Review Preliminary Objections, Motions, Petitions and any related pleadings. 
• Research legal issues raised on DRS filings and cases. 
• Review Motions to Compel for Family Court and the Domestic Relations Office. 
• Answer procedural questions from attorneys. 
• Advise Director of all changes in the law regarding civil procedure. 
• Assist in directing changes to policy and procedure in the DRS related to changes in law.
• Produce statistical reports, spread sheets, and charts for the Director.
• May present at the DRAP annual Training Conference and or other events. 
• Supervise Paternity functions in the DRS. 
• Provide assistance to DRS staff when requested. 
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects as requested. 

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Five years of job-related experience.
• License to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Member of the Pennsylvania Bar. 
• Strong knowledge of the law (statutes, court cases, rules and regulations).
• Excellent research, writing and communication skills.     
• Must be self-motivated and able to work without supervision.    
• Must be able to analyze and create the issues and the law without relying on briefs submitted by the attorneys.
• Must be able to concisely summarize the reason for the Court's decision.              
• Twelve hours of continuing legal education is required annually.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

• Master’s degree in criminal justice. 
• Five years of experience as a civil litigator in Chester County Court of Common Pleas  
• Prior management or supervisory experience.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement.
• Accurate and detail oriented.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Intermediate skill to use a computer and various software packages.
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives.
• Ability to make firm, unbiased decisions.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:
• Basic Word skills
• Basic Excel skills
• Basic PowerPoint skills
• Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Ability to use the Internet for research
• Basic knowledge and skills of Westlaw (courtroom system software)