Description:

This position represents a unique opportunity to observe and be professionally involved with all aspects of the legal system. This is a Court-appointed position. The law clerk is selected and supervised by the judge to whom this individual is assigned, and is considered to be a part of the assigned judge's personal staff. However, in the event the law clerk is assigned to a Senior or Visiting Judge or Judges, the law clerk will be supervised by the District Court Administrator.
Expected one (l)-year term with the possibility of extension; such determination of extension is in the sole discretion of the assigned judge. The Law Clerk position is an at-will appointment.

Job Duties:

Legal Research into all areas of applicable Pennsylvania and Federal Law, which may include the review, study, and annotation of laws, rules, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs and other related legal authorities. Such research is directly related to the decision of actual cases before the Court.
Review case files, pleadings, petitions and other documents relevant to court proceedings and advise the judge as necessary.
Draft, prepare and edit court opinions, appellate opinions, legal memorandums, orders, and other written documents as needed or requested by the judge.
Diligently complete matters taken under advisement by the Court, as well as maintain a list of all cases taken under advisement.
Prepare jury instructions as necessary.
Compile references on laws and other legal precedent necessary for legal determinations on matters pending before the judge.
Confer with the judge concerning legal questions, construction of documents, and the disposition of orders and motions.
Attend Court sessions (including trials, hearings, and other conferences) to hear oral arguments and record necessary case information, maintain notes pertinent to Court proceedings, and assist the judge as needed on any questions of law or procedure that may arise. When necessary, travel within the County for viewings of real property.
If requested, draft summaries of Court memorandum opinions for publication in the Butler County Legal Journal.
Work with other judges (including senior judges), law clerks, and other staff members of the various departments within the Butler County Court System to ensure effective and efficient disposition of cases pending before the judge.
Work with the judge's personal staff and/or secretary to screen and prevent ex parte communications.
Provide initial training to newly hired law clerks.
Provide legal assistance to Magisterial District Judges as needed.
Interact with other internal departments and attorneys as needed.
Attend seminars, trainings or meetings as required.
Assist with answering telephones or other departmental duties as needed.
Provide coverage of chambers/office duties in the absence of the administrative assistant.
Other duties as assigned by the Court.

Minimum Qualifications:

Law clerks must be a graduate of an accredited law school.
Third year students of an accredited law school who are no more than one semester away from graduation may be considered for employment as a law clerk on a case by case basis.
All law clerks must take and pass the Pennsylvania Bar Examination within one year of being hired, if this has not been achieved by the date of hire.