Mifflin County Position Description

Position Title: Judicial Law Clerk Department: Courts

Date: May 2023 Reports To: President Judge

Purpose of Position

The purpose of this position is to assist the Judge in preparing for court and disposing of cases on the
court’s docket. Assist the District Court Administrator with case-flow management and other duties as
assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-
inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assists the Judge in researching legal issues before the court. Research and consult with the Judge
on complex legal issues arising before, during and after court proceedings.

Attend court proceedings to assist the Judge with any difficult legal issues which arise.

Draft opinions, orders and other legal documents for the Judge’s review.

Review complaints, answers, petitions and other documents filed with the court.

Actively track cases pending decision by the court and timely update the Judge and/or District
Court Administrator concerning same.

Communicate with attorneys concerning issues coming and already before the court. Respond to
queries from attorneys, litigants, court and county staff and the general public.

Maintain the court’s computer-based research software. Assist general public with research issues
within the Mifflin County Law Library from time to time.

Act as Mental Health Review Officer.

Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Judge or Court
Administration.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

The judicial law clerk must be a law school graduate.

Must possess strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and coordinate work.

Satisfactory drug test and criminal background check required.

Minimum Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Working knowledge of computers and various software programs with emphasis on Word and
Excel. Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.

Ability to conduct hard bound volume-based legal research.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to effectively draft legal documents for the court; ability to communicate courteously and
effectively both verbally and in writing with the Judge, attorneys, courthouse office personnel,
jurors, other county offices and the general public.

Ability to communicate with attorneys and courthouse office personnel.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work effectively in an office environment.

Note: Pennsylvania Rule of Appellate Procedure 3121 prohibits the practice of law by appellate court
staff except in limited circumstances. Pursuant to the Supreme Court’s Per Curiam Order dated
December 11, 2014 (effective September 11, 2015), all law clerks employed in the Unified
Judicial System are prohibited from appearing as counsel in the division/section of the court in
which they are employed or in which the Judge by whom they are employed serves. Further, in
courts which have no formally established divisions or sections, the law clerks are prohibited from
appearing as counsel in the court itself. Section 2.B of the Personnel Policies of the Unified
Judicial System of Pennsylvania also provides restriction on the practice of law by state-level
staff.

Any outside employment or commercial activities by law clerks must be reported, in writing, in
advance, to the employing Judge or supervisor and to the Chief Justice or President Judge
depending upon which court employs the law clerk.

The 58th Judicial District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Court will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.