Law Clerk & Custody/Divorce Hearing 
Officer 

$52,000 - $55,000 
17th Judicial District  
9 W Market St. Middleburg, PA (Snyder County) 
 

tarting Salary Range: 
Department: 
Location: 

 
 

 
 
 

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17th 

Judicial District 

Description 

ummary: The Law Clerk assists the assigned judge in researching issues before the court and in 
writing opinions, as well as assists the judge in making legal determinations. The Law Clerk 
works in compliance with the Rules of the Court’s procedures in the Criminal, Civil, Family, 
Juvenile and Orphan’s Court Divisions.  

ypical Law Clerk Duties  
• Reviews court documents and analyzes legal disputes; evaluates evidence; makes 
recommendations and renders decisions as appropriate.  
• Researches and compiles information regarding local, state and federal laws and ordinances, 
case law, judicial opinions, mandates and other sources; analyzes and interprets research; 
makes recommendations to assist Judge in making informed rulings. 
 • Prepares legal memoranda, legal opinions and orders, correspondence, court opinions, 
reports regarding distribution of marital assets and alimony awards, and master reports; 
submits to Judge for review and approval. 
 • Schedules pre-trial conferences and master hearings; notifies parties involved of date, time 
and location of conferences and hearings; presides over conferences and hearings; renders 
decisions; maintains related documentation. 
 • Determines who should receive correspondence, reports, notices and other materials for 
cases. 
 • Receives and reviews various court documents, legal websites, legal treatises, statutes, 
regulations, codes ordinances, and other reference materials, or other documentation.  
• Communicates with Judges, other Court employees, attorneys, the public, and other 
individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange 
information, or resolve problems.  

ypical Custody Hearing Officer Duties 
• Reviews all divorce complaints and custody filings for compliance with Rules of Procedure.  
• Reviews any filing alleging an emergency basis for relief; prepares proposed orders on filings; 
holds emergency conferences; and tracks cases sent through mediation process.  
• Prepares for and attends custody conferences. 

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 • Prepares timely proposed orders following custody conferences, including next steps for the 
custody matter. 
 • Maintains a log of custody conference outcomes and confirms CYS involvement in any custody 
matter listed for trial.  
• Arranges CYS testimony at trial if requested by the Judge; keeping informed of changes in the 
law regarding custody; and attends conferences regarding the same.  
• Assists the District Court Administrator with local rule updates regarding custody to maintain 
forms and county websites.  

inimum Qualifications Juris Doctor degree plus two years of legal experience, and admission to 

the PA Bar.  

ow to Apply:  

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Please submit your resume and a writing sample to: 
District Court Administrator, Kelly Heeter 
Snyder County Courthouse 9 W. Market Street, PO Box 217 Middleburg, PA 17813 
 Or email Kelly Heeter, District Court Administrator - kheeter@snydercounty.org 

 

[17th Judicial District]