Description:

Job Summary:
Westmoreland County Public Defender has two open contract law clerk positions. These are designed for recent law school graduates awaiting bar results or new attorneys. Law students in the spring of their final year will be considered. The Law Clerk would assist with research, document preparation and review along with indirect case support for the office's attorneys.

The hourly rate is $ 30.36 per hour with a cap of 1000 hours per year. There are no benefits provided with these positions.

To assist the attorneys of the Public Defender's office by conducting legal research and completing legal writing and documentation; maintains legal research database consisting of most current Pennsylvania case law on criminal law issues.

About Us:
A career with Westmoreland County offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while serving one of Pennsylvania's most vibrant and growing communities.

County employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, a competitive retirement plan, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We are committed to supporting our workforce through programs and resources that promote both personal and professional success.

Westmoreland County fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment where dedication, integrity, innovation, and public service are valued and recognized. With diverse career opportunities across numerous departments and unions, employees can build rewarding careers while contributing to the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

Join a team that is committed to excellence in public service and dedicated to making a positive difference every day. Westmoreland County is proud to attract and retain talented professionals who are passionate about serving others and helping shape the future of our region.

Follow the link below to learn more about all that Westmoreland County has to offer:
https://www.westmorelandcountypa.gov/2377/You-Belong-Here

Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Functions Of Job:

Conducts legal research, prepares motions and other pleadings to assist the attorneys.
Writes case descriptions to be entered in case law database.
Writes legal memoranda as necessary and as requested by the attorneys.
Creates and adds document examples into computer database.
Meets with attorneys to discuss and review research, findings and documentation.
Extracts document templates from computer database for attorney reference.

Other Duties Of Job:

Attends meetings, training and seminars as required.
Performs other job-related duties as required.
Assists other office employees as necessary.

Supervision Received:
Receives occasional instruction and little supervision from the Administrative Assistant and the Chief Public Defender.

Supervision Given:
None.

Working Conditions:

Works indoors in adequate office space, with adequate lighting, temperature and ventilation.
Normal exposure to noise and stress and other disruptions.
Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

Physical/Mental conditions:

Must possess the ability to present, convey and record information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
Must be able to pay close attention to detail and concentrate in a moderately stressful environment.
Must be able to sit for long periods of time throughout the work day, with intermittent periods of walking and standing.
Occasional periods of stooping, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out job functions.
Dexterity requirements range from fine manipulation of fingers/hands to simple movements of feet/legs/torso as necessary to carry out essential job duties.
Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of up to 10 pounds.

Qualifications:
Qualifications:
To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education/Training:
Juris Doctorate Degree required with focus on criminal law. PA Bar passage required. License to practice preferred.

Work Experience:
6 to 12 months experience working in a criminal law office or government office.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Must be able to speak and understand the English language and to follow oral and written instruction.
Ability to conduct legal research.
Possess an understanding of the rules and procedures for criminal law in Pennsylvania.
Must possess effective oral and written communication skills.
Must possess the ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with the public, co-workers and others.
Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to public and Department information and records.
Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers and other office equipment with accuracy and reasonable speed.
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Must possess basic knowledge of legal terminology and criminal law proceedings.
Must possess knowledge of accepted office practices and procedures.
Must possess the ability to maintain records and files accurately and in an organized fashion.