Legal Clerk I – Civil Filing Center
The Legal Clerk I position at the Civil Filing Center serves as the primary public-facing point of contact within the court filing office. This role is responsible for assisting the public, especially self-represented litigants, by providing accurate information about court procedures, reviewing legal documents for compliance with court rules, and processing filings in accordance with applicable laws and administrative policies. The position requires managing a high volume of in-person and phone inquiries, maintaining accurate case records in court systems, and ensuring documents are properly filed, routed, or returned as needed.
Key responsibilities include serving as the primary point of contact for the public at the filing counter, responding to high-volume inquiries regarding filing procedures and court forms, and managing litigant concerns with professionalism and composure. The clerk examines documents for procedural compliance, accepts or rejects filings based on court rules, and clearly explains court processes to individuals without legal representation. Additionally, the role involves accurately entering case information into the court’s case management system, scanning and maintaining records, and coordinating with judges’ chambers and other court divisions to resolve filing or case-related issues.
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with one to two years of progressively responsible clerical experience processing legal instruments and documents. Equivalent combinations of training and experience that provide the necessary skills may also be considered. Candidates must successfully complete a panel review and/or interview process, pass a criminal background investigation, and demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. The role requires in-person work and is not remote.
The City of Philadelphia offers a competitive salary for this position, along with comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, as well as generous retirement savings options. Additional benefits include unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program, paid parental leave, and access to tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with local colleges and universities. Employees may also be eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, providing opportunities for student loan forgiveness.