Commerce Attorney - Trial Division, Civil

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.

In order to apply and be considered for this position please visit to complete an application and upload a resume.

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.

In order to apply and be considered for this position please visit to complete an application and upload a resume.

Competencies 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 prepare 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.                                                                                                    

In order to apply and be considered for this position please visit to complete an application and upload a resume.

Qualifications :

1. Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing.
2. Minimum of two years of relevant employment experience.
3. Excellent legal writing and organizational skills.
4. Extensive knowledge of state and local rules of civil procedure and Pennsylvania common law and statutes relating to commercial matters.
5. Ability to analyze a variety of administrative and procedural problems and to make sound recommendations as to their solution.       
6. Successful completion of a review panel examination evaluation and interview process.
7. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
8. No outside law practice while employed with the First Judicial District.
9. Two-year commitment minimum.
10. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
11. Covid-19 Vaccination is recommended.
12. Must work on site (not remote).
13. Philadelphia residency is not required.

Additional Information :

In order to apply and be considered for this position please visit to complete an application and upload a resume.

Salary Range: $63421 - $70297 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses subways trolleys and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 4 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses extending not only to City employees but in some cases spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

Effective May 22 2023 vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses doctors emergency medical personnel) must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race ethnicity color sex sexual orientation gender identity religion national origin ancestry age disability marital status source of income familial status genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at or send an email to

For more information go to: Human Relations Website: Work :

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