Legal Clerk I – Civil Motions Program

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Office of Judicial Records (formerly Office of the Prothonotary) is considered the clerk who keeps records and the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, issues process, enters judgment, and certifies the record. The office was created under the provisions of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The duties, responsibilities, and other provisions of the office are determined by statute.

In a society as litigious as ours, where the issues brought before our civil courts range from action in divorce to a personal injury for serious bodily harm, the need for accurate, efficient record keeping is paramount; for in the law, if it is not proper and timely filed, it does not exist. It is the goal of the Office of Judicial Records to improve through innovation and technology the art of record keeping.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

 

 

Job Description

Position Summary

Performs a wide range of docketing, scheduling, filing, and case management functions in support of various court programs and proceedings. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing legal filings such as motions, petitions, responses, and discovery-related documents; scheduling and managing hearings, conferences, and court events; and assigning matters in accordance with established assignment matrices and court procedures.

Work also involves docketing cases and maintaining accurate records for multiple specialized court programs, coordinating continuances and case management submissions, and ensuring proper routing and assignment of cases to appropriate courtrooms and judicial calendars. The position requires careful attention to detail, knowledge of court rules and procedures, and the ability to manage multiple case types while ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable guidelines.

Essential Functions

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.

• Checks court documents for errors and serves as a quality control check (if they need to verify documents for completeness).
• 2. Distributes documents to correct destinations and may hand deliver legal documents or records (if the clerk is going to be expected to hand deliver documents).
• 3. Instructs others on proper procedural steps (if they are expected to provide training or guidance to other new staff via job shadowing or other method of observation or guiding others)
• Docket, schedule, and manage case events for a variety of court programs, including Agency Appeals, Code Enforcement, Municipal Court Appeals, and other assigned matters.
• Review, process, and docket legal filings, including motions, petitions, answers, responses, replies, and related documents.
• Reviews and dockets case management memoranda and continuance requests for assigned programs.
• Assigns motions and petitions in accordance with the established Motion/Petition Assignment Matrix.
• Coordinate scheduling and docketing for specialized petitions, including Real Estate Tax Lien Petitions, Motions to Postpone Sheriff Sales, and other designated matters.
• Manage docketing for orders and petitions involving Philadelphia Parking Authority, Minors’ Compromise, Wrongful Death, and Incapacitated Persons.
• Assigned to courtrooms for programs such as Landlord Tenant, PennDOT, and Tax matters.
• Ensure accurate and timely entry of case information into the court case management system.
• Maintain and update case records in compliance with court rules, procedures, and deadlines.
• Answer telephone inquiries daily.
• Communicate with court staff, attorneys, and litigants regarding scheduling, filings, and procedural requirements.
• Ensure proper handling, tracking, and routing of all assigned case types in accordance with court policies and directives.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

 

• Assist with general clerical duties, including filing, copying, scanning, and organizing case materials.
• Provide information and general guidance to court users, attorneys, and the public regarding basic procedures and filing requirements.
• Assist in maintaining logs, reports, and tracking systems related to case activity and scheduling.
• Support courtroom and office operations during periods of high volume, staff absence, or special assignments.
• Perform routine data entry and updates to assist with case tracking and administrative support.
• Help prepare and distribute notices, correspondence, and scheduling information as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the court.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

 

Work is performed in a courthouse office and public-facing environment involving frequent, direct, face-to-face interaction with attorneys, litigants, court staff, and members of the public. The position requires the ability to assist individuals with a variety of court matters, including time-sensitive and, at times, high-priority or emergency filings, while maintaining professionalism and composure.

The employee will work in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and multiple concurrent deadlines across various court programs and case types. Duties require interaction at a public service counter and may involve assisting individuals who are under stress, time constraints, or emotional distress.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public service principles, including access to justice for self-represented litigants.
• Knowledge of applicable court rules, administrative orders, and filing requirements (including electronic filing systems).
• Knowledge of legal terminology, common pleadings, and case types.
• Knowledge of records management practices.
• Strong organizational and clerical skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple case types and deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail in reviewing, docketing, and processing legal documents.
• Strong customer service skills for handling face-to-face interactions at a public counter, including in high-pressure or high-volume situations.
• Time management skills with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical skills to interpret documents and ensure proper assignment and scheduling of cases.
• Ability to clearly explain complex procedures in plain language, both verbally and in writing, without providing legal advice.
• Ability to review legal documents for completeness and procedural compliance.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a high-volume, public-facing environment.
• Ability to remain calm and professional while handling difficult or emotionally charged interactions.
• Ability to adapt to procedural or system changes and learn new processes quickly.
• Ability to recognize urgent filings and respond in accordance with court priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, assistant managers, and coworkers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, assistant managers, and coworkers.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

 

 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District of PA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent and one to two years of progressively responsible clerical experience processing legal instruments and documents.

OR

1. Equivalent combinations of training and experience providing the characteristics required to perform the essential functions of the class may substitute for those listed.
2. Satisfactory clearance of a criminal background investigation.
3. Ability to perform the essential functions of a position in this class.
4. Must work on site (not remote).

Additional Information

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Salary: $39,301 Annually

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: ae7200c7-5795-4607-8bec-77aa7389555c

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-05-07T17:00:02