Commerce Program - Staff Attorney

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Commerce Program - Staff Attorney

Union:Non-Union Position Department:Trial Division FT/PT Status:Full Time Salary:$73,889-$81,800 Note:New hires must start at step 1 of pay grade Job Description

This is a non-union position. The salary grade is G51.

Application Instructions

Applications and resumes are being accepted for this position. Qualified applicants may apply by submitting a cover letter (maximum two pages), resume (not to exceed three pages), and writing sample.

To be considered for employment at FJD, candidates must submit a completed employment application on our website at https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/cyberweb and click on Apply Now button to create an account or to log into their existing account.

A completed application must be submitted by 11:59 PM on 10/16/2026

About FJD The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is the Philadelphia County Court System composed of two courts: the Court of Common Pleas and the Municipal Court. Our mission is to adjudicate cases and provide services to the community within our jurisdiction while ensuring fair, timely, and accessible justice to the people of Philadelphia.

Benefits Summary Full-time employees of the FJD are eligible for the following benefits:

• FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8-weeks of Paid parental leave
• Generous paid time off: 14 days’ vacation, 15 sicks days, 5 annual (paid personal) leave days, 12 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive and affordable health coverage to meet you and your family’s needs.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer such as the FJD.
• Pension through Philadelphia Municipal Employees Retirement Plan
• 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plan is tax-advantage retirement plan to accelerate your retirement savings by putting money aside pretax into investment portfolios. This is separate from your pension.
• Tuition Discounts and Scholarships: FJD participates in the City of Philadelphia’s Return to Learning Partnership Program to provide access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Discounts range between 10% to 40%
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About Department The Civil Section has jurisdiction over actions at law and equity along with appeals from Municipal Court and certain administrative agencies and boards. The Trial Division Civil Section has jurisdiction over civil claims involving amounts in excess of $10,000. The variety of civil actions that may be brought in the Trial Division Civil Section includes Negligence, Contract and Equity Action.

Position Summary

This is a professional legal position as a lawyer in the Commerce Program, which is part of the Trial Division – Civil of the Court of Common Pleas. This position reports directly to each of the three Judges assigned to the Commerce Program, as well as to the Director of the Program.

The Commerce Court Judges hear cases involving diverse parties and issues, including but not limited to: corporate shareholders, company members and partners; sales, mergers and dissolutions of businesses; commercial real estate transactions; construction and other business contracts; mechanics’ liens; commercial insurance policies; legal, accounting, and other professional (non-medical) malpractice; fiduciary duties; covenants not to compete, unfair competition, corporate fraud, and theft of trade secrets; malicious prosecution; and negotiable instruments. In addition, all class actions and disputed confessed judgments filed in Philadelphia County are assigned to the Commerce Program Judges.

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.

• Conduct legal research and draft judicial orders and opinions in all types of Commerce cases.
• Provide legal advice to Judges and court personnel on issues of commercial law.
• Conduct settlement and case management conferences.
• Attend and participate in significant court events, including trials.
• Manage cases within the Commerce Program.
• Perform related work as required by the Judges and Director.

Environmental Conditions

Normal office and courtroom conditions are standard for this class.

Direct contact with court staff and litigants.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing.
• Minimum of two years of relevant employment experience.
• Excellent legal writing and organizational skills.
• Extensive knowledge of state and local rules of civil procedure and Pennsylvania common law and statutes relating to commercial matters.
• Ability to analyze a variety of administrative, procedural, and substantive problems and to make sound recommendations as to their solution.
• Successful completion of a review panel examination, evaluation, and interview process.
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
• No outside law practice while employed with the First Judicial District.
• Two-year commitment minimum.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must work on site (not remote).
• Philadelphia residency is not required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of the techniques and processes of legal research.
• Knowledge of legal requirements for preparation of pleadings, motions, petitions and similar instruments.
• Knowledge of the components of the Philadelphia civil trial system and the functions thereof.
• Knowledge of state and local rules of civil procedure.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania common law and statutes relating to commercial matters.
• Skill in legal writing and organization.
• Ability to draft for judicial approval orders and opinions on petitions, motions and appeals filed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the judiciary, court staff and departmental administrators, attorneys and pro se litigants.
• Ability to use Westlaw and other legal research software.
• Knowledge of proper citation forms.
• Ability to prioritize individual caseload to meet deadlines.

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