Staff Attorney (Office of Chief Legal Counsel) - Commonwealth Court

The Commonwealth Court is seeking an enthusiastic individual to work as a Staff Attorney in its Office of Chief Legal Counsel (OCLC).  OCLC houses the non-chambers legal staff for the Court and is tasked with providing legal support and counsel to Commonwealth Court Judges, the Prothonotary, and the Court’s Executive Administrator.

The successful applicant will:

• Work directly with judges on matters requiring oral argument or an evidentiary hearing such as agency enforcement actions, contempt proceedings, preliminary injunctions, and other matters filed in the Court’s original jurisdiction.

• Review pleadings; research legal issues; attend hearings or arguments and draft any necessary orders, memorandums, and opinions related to the relevant pleadings and the relief being requested.

• Analyze and research various motions/applications for relief filed with the Court and prepare orders that appropriately address the merits of the motion or application.

• Review and summarize case briefing and make recommendations to the Court on whether a particular case should be decided on the briefs or argued before a panel of judges.

• Review/edit orders, memoranda, and opinions of fellow Staff Attorneys, as well as circulating opinions from judicial chambers, prior to filing or publication.

• Perform other duties as directed by the Chief Legal Counsel or President Judge.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school.

• Member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

• Minimum of 2 years progressively responsible legal experience.

• Satisfactory criminal background check.

Additional Preferences / Requirements:

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.

• Familiarity with court rules and their application to a case.

• Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize legal facts, evidence, and materials and present findings clearly and logically in written opinions, memoranda, or orders.

• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, court staff, OCLC colleagues, the bar, and the public.

Job Highlights:

• Excellent benefits program, including comprehensive, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans for employees and eligible family members beginning on the first day of employment.

• 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 12+ paid vacation days per year.

• Provided Parking, salary increases, employee assistance programs, and State retirement plans.

• Typical hours are 8:30 – 4:30 (1 hour lunch).

• Telework may be available up to 2 days per week after training.

Salary information

Salary: $70,000 - $100,000

With your application, please submit a resume, letter of interest and legal writing sample of no more than 5 pages.