The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, an intermediate appellate court based in Harrisburg, PA, seeks applicants for the position of Chief Legal Counsel, formerly Prothonotary.
For more information: https://wwwsecure.pacourts.us/assets/files/page-242/file-7765.pdf
Application Deadline: June 7, 2019
Position: Chief Legal Counsel
Location: Harrisburg
Category: Senior Management
Salary Range: $102,710 - $148,059 
Starting salary will vary depending upon the qualifications and employment history of the selected candidate
Description:
The Chief Legal Counsel is an appointed officer of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania who is responsible for providing legal support and counsel to the judges of the Court, the Prothonotary and the Executive Administrator. The Chief Legal Counsel manages the operations of the Court’s Office of Legal Counsel, including supervision of Staff Attorneys and administrative support personnel.
Typical Duties:

Manages the Staff Attorneys and support personnel in the Court’s Office of Legal Counsel.
Reviews filings (except prisoner-related) that require Court action, including applications for relief, motions, petitions and status reports. Prepares draft orders disposing of or addressing same for presentation to duty judge or previously assigned judge. Enters case notes into the Court’s case management system (PACMS).
Identifies high priority or potential high profile cases and alerts appropriate personnel.
Recommends cases appropriate for mediation to the Court’s Mediation Program.
Prepares file notes to advise the Court of special circumstances of a case that are identified at any stage of the proceeding.
Assigns and schedules single-judge duty week arguments and hearings. Manages and schedules court reporter. Monitors status of duty week matters.
Provides legal, case management and administrative support to duty judges. Supervises Staff Attorneys assigned to duty judges. Monitors workflow among Staff Attorneys and redistributes work as necessary.
Provides legal, case management and administrative support for single-judge assignments, including insurance insolvency assignments, trials, and other specially assigned matters.
Provides case management and administrative support for judges assigned cases on the Finance & Revenue docket.
Manages election court cases in conjunction with the Prothonotary.
At the direction of the President Judge, provides legal support to chambers that need assistance due to extenuating circumstances.
Reviews docketing statements and address any issues not covered by the Prothonotary’s review.
Disposes of applications as authorized by the Court or its Internal Operating Procedures.
Makes an initial determination on whether cases should be listed for oral argument or submitted on briefs for disposition. Prepares case summaries for Prothonotary to use in preparing argument lists for approval by the President Judge. Advises the President Judge regarding cases that are appropriate for consideration by the Court en banc.
Reviews draft opinions in circulation and provide recommendations on form, content and potential conflicts to the authoring judge.
Compiles and circulates daily lists of ready-to-file opinions and filed opinions. Confirms changes made by the authoring judge before final printing. Posts opinions on the Court’s website and distributes to publishers.
Reviews, processes and circulates applications for reconsideration and applications to publish unreported opinions. Tracks votes and assures dispositive orders are issued.
Monitors developments in Pennsylvania Supreme Court case law. Prepares and circulates informational memoranda to the Court.
Reviews and disseminates legislative summaries prepared by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), and informs the Board of Judges about legislation that could affect the Court’s jurisdiction or operations.
Responds to inquiries from judges, court staff, other Unified Judicial System personnel, attorneys, litigants and the public regarding Court procedures.
Conducts law clerk orientation and other in-house legal education programs as needed.
Provides legal support to the Executive Administrator and Prothonotary as needed.
Consults with and makes recommendations to the Board of Judges on Court operations and advises committees of the Board of Judges.
Acts as liaison with other courts; Unified Judicial System agencies, boards, and committees; bar associations; the media and the public. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other courts.
Maintains minutes of Judicial Conference.
Participates in continuing legal education programs on Commonwealth Court practice.
Travels to the Court’s regular and special argument sessions and other Court-related activities as required.
Performs related work as directed by the President Judge.

Minimum Education and Experience:

 Graduation from an accredited school of law.
Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Seven years of progressively responsible legal experience, including experience in state or federal appeals as a practitioner or law clerk, and experience with administrative and court management duties.
Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Qualifications and Preferences:

Knowledge of the workings of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania and the Unified Judicial System.
Knowledge of judicial procedure, relevant rules of practice, the Internal Operating Procedures of the Commonwealth Court, and other authorities relevant to the operations of the Court.
Knowledge of the Administrative Agency Law and the Local Agency Law.
Knowledge of management techniques and modern office practices including the use of Microsoft based computer products and PACMS (case management system).
Ability to present legal analysis in a clear and logical form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Court, with the AOPC, and with the bar.
Ability to maintain accurate files and records, and to prepare complete and meaningful reports.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, while exercising tact, good judgment, and discretion.

How to Apply:
Candidates interested in applying for this position are requested to submit a resume, writing a sample, and cover letter noting position title, on or before June 7, 2019, to:
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Executive Administrator’s Office
ATTN: Heather Harris
PO Box 69185, Suite 2300 
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106-9185
OR apply here.