Job Description

GENERAL DEFINITION:

This is a sophisticated legal position that requires in-depth knowledge of all aspects of divorce in Pennsylvania, and the ability to efficiently perform responsible legal work primarily concerned with divorce matters filed under the Divorce Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Reviewing pleadings, scheduling of pretrial and settlement conferences and review of pretrial and settlement memoranda, relating to all economic issues arising from divorce matters filed under Divorce Code of 1980, as amended.  An employee in this class schedules and conducts hearings of all ancillary proceedings and prepares Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and makes recommendations to the court for their resolution and prepares property settlement agreements reached in hearings before the Master. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of law as it relates to all aspects of divorce, including the divorce statutes, statewide and local rules of civil procedure, and applicable case law. 
• Thorough knowledge of the law as it relates to distribution of marital property.
• Thorough knowledge of practices and regulations relating to pension plans as distribution of marital property.
• Extensive knowledge of the rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of laws, statutes, and regulations as they apply to domestic relations issues.
• The ability to assist parties and their respective counsel in the negotiations of complete property settlement agreements. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with members of the judiciary, attorneys and the general public.
• Ability to present ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to fairly and objectively rule on a multitude of cases that involve highly emotional issues.
• Ability to apply legal principles to individual cases.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY APRIL 4, 2023.   

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Member in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and ongoing compliance with all applicable requirements to maintain good standing, including meeting mandated Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements.
2. Five years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work with concentration in the domestic relations field.

                                                OR

1. Any equivalent combination of training and experience that has provided the required knowledge, skills, and ability necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.
2. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a domestic relations attorney, with extensive practice in divorce matters; experience in complex divorce matter strongly preferred.
3. Must submit application, resume, writing sample, and a list of the captions and docket numbers of five divorce cases handled that best represent their qualifications to perform the duties of the position. After meeting minimum application standards by a panel review, must complete an evaluation and interview process.
4. Successful completion of criminal background investigation.
5. City residency required within six (6) months of satisfactory completion of an orientation period.
6. Ability to perform essential functions of the position.
7. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY APRIL 4, 2023.   

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:

• Thorough knowledge of, and ability to efficiently perform all duties and tasks associated with Proceedings before Master in Divorce, as set forth in Phila.DR.R.1920.51.
• Reviews all pleadings, petitions, motions and other applications for economic relief and in matters of divorce.
• Schedules pretrial and settlement conferences as well as hearings to determine final recommendations to the Court.
• Presides at hearings to incorporate settlement agreements into final decrees for court approval.
• Presides at all pretrial and final hearings to present recommendations to the court for entry of Order to determine all ancillary issues arising from divorce matters.
• Conducts record hearings and issues proposed orders and findings of fact in cases where the date of separation is in dispute, and/or whether irreconcilable differences exist.
• Serves as a Master in fault proceedings under the Divorce Code, including cases in which parties have filed for in forma pauperis status.
• Prepares written recommendations to the Court.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Standard office conditions.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY APRIL 4, 2023.   

Additional Information

SALARY:      $78,757 - $87,868 (G31)

FILING DEADLINE:  APRIL 4, 2023

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION THROUGH THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/fjdcareers.aspx BY APRIL 4, 2023.   

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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

THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICAN 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.