Legal Clerk I - Civil Motions Program

About the role

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 process

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