Legal - Intern

Description

With offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the Legal Department provides advice and counsel to the PA Supreme Court, the state court administrator, state court judges and UJS personnel on legal, administrative and policy matters. AOPC/Legal - comprised of 12 attorneys and 5 paralegals/legal secretaries - includes three primary units. First, the Litigation Unit represents Pennsylvania court entities, judges and state-paid court personnel in litigation matters, predominately in federal court, often testing state court sovereignty under the federal constitution. They provide advice to prevent litigation whenever possible, but do not provide representation in criminal or disciplinary actions. Second, the Transactional Unit negotiates contracts and prepares and reviews documents respecting competitive procurements. They are also responsible for managing AOPC’s leasing portfolio. Third, the Information Technology Unit participates in planning and implementing the statewide case management systems and related programs, ensuring that the systems comply with all applicable laws and legal procedural requirements. They also serve as the primary point of contact with other agencies, organizations and departments that work with AOPC to obtain information and data from AOPC’s various case management systems. In addition, they review legislation affecting Pennsylvania’s judiciary as well as provide guidance on issues related to public access to court case records.

Primary Duties

• The position will be 35 hours/week during the summer and 10 hours/week during the academic year. The term will be May 2023 through May 2024. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Deputy Chief Counsel.
• Conducts legal research and analysis related to benchbooks, court policy and other assigned projects.
• Provides written and oral responses to queries regarding court procedures, policies, and status of court cases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Accepting applications from first- and second-year law students enrolled in good standing in an accredited law degree program.
• Working knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of policies, procedures, and functions of the PA Unified Judicial System.

Additional Requirements/Preferences

• Working knowledge and competence using standard PC software programs, including Microsoft Office, Lexis, and Westlaw required.
• Satisfactory criminal background check required.
• A resume, law school transcript(s), and writing sample are required.

Additional Information

Unified Judicial System Hiring Policy

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania recruits, employs, and promotes the most qualified applicants without regard to their political affiliation, race, color, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, or other non-merit facts or considerations. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants with disabilities as may be necessary to ensure that all applicants are given a fair and equal opportunity to compete for all employment positions. Applicants who need accommodation for an interview should request so in advance. UJS hiring and employment policies and procedures are intended to conform to all applicable state and federal laws governing fair and non-discriminatory hiring and employment practices and are subject to change as necessary to remain in compliance with such laws.

Applicants requiring accommodation, for any part of the application and/or interview process, should contact Human Resources at (717) 231-3309 or human.resources@pacourts.us.