Closing Date: 6th November, 2026

Description:

Job Summary:
The Honorable Mary Beth Shank is presently seeking resumes for the position of judicial law clerk for the Court of Common Pleas of the 39th Judicial District. Interested applicants must be a law school graduate prior to the start date and are to submit their resume, references, at least two writing samples, and law school transcript to Judge Mary Beth Shank (mshank@franklincountypa.gov) or via U.S. Mail and addressed to:

Attn: Honorable Mary Beth Shank
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
14 North Main Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201

About Us:
Franklin County is a great place to live and work! Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Tuscarora mountains in South Central Pennsylvania but not far from DC, Baltimore and the beaches of the mid-Atlantic, Franklin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth. We want the best people working to serve the 155,000+ residents that call this beautiful area "home."

Requirements:

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
Conduct research on Westlaw
Draft opinions
Review motions and prepare orders
Keep abreast of Franklin/Fulton Opinions and Decisions of the Superior/Commonwealth and Supreme Court in areas applicable to the Judge's Divisions
Answer calls and questions
Track case and motion activity
Interact professionally with attorneys, court departments and colleagues
Meet deadlines

The anticipated start date for this position is December 3, 2026. However, contingent upon the operational needs of the Court and the selected candidate's availability, an earlier start date may be authorized.

Job Description:
Franklin County

Law Clerk Revised: February 14, 1996

Position Description Exempt

Overall Objective of Job
To Assist the Courts of Franklin County by Conducting Legal Research and Drafting Opinions, Memorandums and Correspondence; and To Assist with Other Professional Legal Duties.

Essential Functions of Job

Researches, Interprets and Applies Laws, Court Decisions and Other Legal Authorities in Preparation of Written Judicial Opinions and Legal Memoranda.
Reviews and Screens Court Documents Presented to The Judge, and Assists in Solving Problems Regarding Cases and Issues Before the Court.
Assists Judges with Legal Correspondence.
Interprets New Legal Rulings and Procedures.
Interacts with Other Internal Departments and Attorneys Frequently in Carrying out Work Duties.
Attends Pre-Trial Conferences as Required.
Takes Notes During Hearings Before the Courts.

Other Duties of Job

Attends Seminars, Training and Meetings as Required.
Assists in Answering Phone or Other Clerical Department Duties as Required.
Performs Other Job Related Duties as Required.

Supervision Received:
Receives Occasional Instruction and Some Supervision from Judges in Regard to Daily Work Duties.

Supervision Given
None

Working Conditions:

Works Indoors in Adequate Work Space, Temperatures, Ventilation and Lighting.
Works with Average Indoor Exposure to Noise and Stress, but Subject to Frequent Disruptions.
Normal Indoor Exposure to Dust/dirt.

Physical and Mental Conditions

Must Possess Ability to Record, Convey and Present Information, Explain Procedures and Follow Instructions.
Must Be Able to Sit, Stand and Walk Intermittently Throughout the Work Day, with Occasional Twisting, Bending, Climbing, Carrying, Reaching and Grasping Necessary to Carry out Job Duties.
Dexterity Requirements Range from Coordinated Movements of Fingers/hands for Computer Work, to Simple Movements of Feet/legs/torso to Carry out Work Duties.
Sedentary Work, with Occasional Lifting/carrying of Objects with Weights Ranging from Ten to Twenty Pounds.
Must Demonstrate Emotional Stability.
Must Be Able to Cope with The Physical and Mental Stress of The Position.
Must Be Able to Move Frequently Throughout the Work Day.
Must Be Able to Pay Close Attention to Details and Concentrate on Work.

Qualifications:
Education/training
3-Year Law Degree, Plus Eligibility for Admission to Pennsylvania Bar; Good Written Communication, Research and Computer Skills Necessary.

Work Experience
None Required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Must Be Able to Speak and Understand the English Language in An Understandable Manner in Order to Carry out Essential Job Duties.
Must Possess Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
Must Possess Initiative and Problem Solving Skills.
Must Possess Ability to Function Independently, Have Flexibility and The Ability to Work Effectively with Co-Workers and Others.
Must Possess Ability to Maintain Confidentiality in Regard to Client Information and Records.
Must Possess Knowledge of Application of Legal Principles to Individual Cases and Problems.
Must Possess Knowledge of Court Procedures and Rules of Evidence.
Must Possess Ability to Analyze Facts, Evidence and Precedents and Arrive at Logical Interpretations.
Must Possess Ability to Set Forth Findings of Fact and Reasoning in Well-Written Form.
Must Possess Ability to Prepare Well-Written Legal Documents and Records.
Must Possess Ability to Practice Good Time Management and Organizational Skills.

Contact Details
We Offer an Excellent Benefit Package Including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement and A Retirement Plan!

Questions About the Position and Benefits May Be Directed to Judge Shank's Chambers (717) 261-3836.