Description:

Job Summary:
To assist the Judges by conducting legal research and completing legal writing and documentation.

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:

Performs legal research as required; makes use of legal research tools; evaluates case law and statutes; reviews and analyzes case files, motions, and briefs; observes court proceedings and testimony; reads trial transcripts and examines court exhibits.
Prepares, types and edits Opinions, Order of Court, and other legal documents; discusses research findings and results with the Judge.
Assists Judge as required in such areas as indigency determinations, Argument Court, Pre-trial conferences, trial lists with attorneys, weekly motions court etc.
Discusses confidential issues with the Judge.
Assists in the performance of courtroom and judicial chambers duties as needed.
Exercises strong independent judgment in prioritizing tasks and operates with a high degree of autonomy.
Serves as a point of contact for attorneys and pro se litigants to facilitate clear and professional communication regarding procedural and case management inquiries.
Manages and tracks case progress and critical deadlines to ensure compliance with procedural requirements and timely review.
Complies with ongoing continuing legal education requirements.
Reviews opinions of appellate courts on an ongoing basis and stays current with regard to the state of the law.
Assists with administrative purges and docket control.
Observes trials, hearings and oral arguments, providing research to the Judge during proceedings.
Monitors case progress, ensuring compliance with court rules and timeliness.
Handles sensitive information, ensuring all work remains confidential, and adheres to ethical standards.

Other Duties Of Job:

Attends meetings, trainings, seminars as required.
Performs other job-related duties as required.
Assists other Court employees as necessary.

Supervision Received:
Receives occasional instruction and little supervision from the Judges.

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.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Supreme Court Order Number 438 of 2014, in Courts that Have No Formally Established Divisions or Sections, Attorneys Are Prohibited (except as To Pro Se Matters) from Appearing as Counsel in The Court Itself.
Physical/mental Conditions:
Must Possess the Ability to Present, Convey and Record Information, Explain Procedures and Follow Instructions. Ability to Communicate Effectively with A Variety of Departments.
Must Possess the Ability to Satisfactorily Interact with The Public.
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.
Must Be Able to Pay Close Attention to Detail and Concentrate in A Moderately Stressful Environment.
Ability to Comprehend and Interpret a Variety of Documents Including Case Files, Monitions, Briefs, Judicial Calendars, Federal and State Statutes, Case Law, Rules and Regulations, Legal References, Etc.
Ability to Prepare a Variety of Documents Including Opinions, Orders of Court, Counsel Lists, Memoranda, Etc. Using Prescribed Format and Conforming to All Rules of Legal Writing and Citation, Punctuation, Grammar, Diction, and Style.

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 and Licensed to Practice Law in Pa.

Work Experience:
Experience with Legal Research Software, Preferably Westlaw.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Must Be Able to Speak and Understand the English Language and To Follow Oral and Written Instruction.
Must Possess Effective Oral and Written Communication Skills.
Must Possess Ability to Function Independently, Have Flexibility and The Ability to Work Effectively with The Public, Co-Workers and Others.
Must Possess 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 the Ability to Perform Legal Research.
Workable Understanding of Legal, Medical, and Technical Terminology.
Must Possess Excellent Listening Skills.
Must Possess Knowledge of The Form and Content of Legal Documents.