Counsel - Pennsylvania Courts : Job Details

This position performs professional legal work as Legal Counsel under the guidance of the Supervising Legal Counsel for Leases and Transactions. The role focuses on issues related to procurement contracts and commercial leases. The attorney will review various contracts ranging from complex softwarelicensing agreements to contracts for lecturers or the purchase of equipment. In addition, counsel will be involved in the negotiation and review of commercial leases for the appellate courts and judges as well as for AOPC and the various boards and agencies of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Also, counsel will be responsible for drafting and reviewing memorandums of understanding with other branches of government relating to Unified Judicial System facilities, such as the Pennsylvania Judicial Center. The attorney in this position will interface at times with judicial officers, senior counsel, other senior staff, outside organizations, and the public. Other responsibilities include providing legal research and opinion, as needed, and serving as backup Counsel as required.Job Highlights

• 35-hour work week
• Excellent benefits program, including comprehensive, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans for employees and eligible family members beginning on the first day of employment
• 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 12+ paid vacation days per year.
• Salary increases, student loan forgiveness plans, employee assistance programs, and State retirement plans.
• Telework may be available up to 2 days per week after training.

Job Duties

• Reviews terms and conditions of contracts for goods and services required by various departments within AOPC. A large measure of this work includes negotiating and memorializing the terms of contracts in Information Technology areas.
• Assists with the management of the leasing portfolio for the Pennsylvania appellate courts, AOPC, and the various boards and agencies of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Works with Supervising Legal Counsel and the Executive Administrators of the appellate courts, as well as board and agency executive directors and administrators, to negotiate leases that comply with the requirements of the Unified Judicial System/AOPC Policies Governing Judicial Real Estate Leases.
• Reviews leasing terms and conditions, works with leasing agents, property managers, and brokers on behalf of AOPC, and reviews lease-related documents and statements received throughout the terms of leases.
• Assists in the development and updating of various reference materials relating to the AOPC procurement and leasing policies.
• Works with AOPC procurement staff in responding to inquiries submitted by vendors of various goods and services regarding AOPC's standard contractual terms and conditions. Also assists Supervising Legal Counsel and AOPC procurement to finalize and prepare the terms of awarded contracts.
• Performs legal review of memorandums of understanding with other branches of government, including those on security and maintenance at Unified Judicial System facilities such as the Pennsylvania Judicial Center.
• Analyzes legal documents and makes recommendations that support best business practices.
• Researches relevant areas of law and legislation using electronic and traditional research tools. Studies advance sheets, digests, newsletters, and legislative materials to keep apprised of relevant case law.
• Assists the Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel, and Supervising Legal Counsel on an as-needed basis, including serving as backup Counsel.
• Handles special legal-related projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-approved law school.
• Admission to and in good standing before the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Two years of professional legal experience.

Additional Requirements

• Occasional travel may be required.
• A satisfactory criminal background check is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Salary informationStarting Annual Salary$66,938 -$80,927Applicants requiring accommodation, for any part of the application and/or interview process, should contact Human Resources at (717) ###-#### or [email protected].