Court Access Attorney

The Court Access Attorney ensures equal access across the judicial system by developing, implementing, and monitoring court policies governed by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Operating under the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, this role analyzes emerging legal trends, responds to inquiries from government agencies, and serves as a vital liaison between the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), court-related entities, and the public to promote comprehensive language and disability access statewide.

Job Duties

• Develops and maintains judicial standards, rules, and procedures to ensure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Unified Judicial System (UJS) of Pennsylvania policies.
• Provides legal advice, counsel, support, and technical assistance to judicial districts to ensure that court programs, services and activities are accessible to the public. Represents the judiciary in administrative investigations involving Title VI and Title II issues.
• Provides direction to internal AOPC departments and judicial leadership to develop strategies to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and rules.
• Ensures judiciary offices create, maintain, and communicate language access plans and ADA public access policies.
• Assists the Court Access Administrator in developing and presenting educational and training programs for UJS personnel regarding LAP, ADA, and compliance with judiciary policies.
• Monitors legislation and drafts rules and orders to accommodate changes in the laws. Evaluates proposed legislation and regulatory changes that impact the judiciary’s programs and policies.
• Assists in research and writing content for bench books and other publications and documents.
• Assists the Court Access Administrator in the creation, development, production, and distribution of products (training manuals, policy templates, I Speak cards, benchcards, posters) to assist UJS personnel in compliance with Title VI.
• Coordinates with AOPC's IT Department and judicial district staff to collect data on provision of interpreter services within the Pennsylvania judiciary.
• Researches, analyzes, and reports on issues related to Judicial Administration. Drafts rule changes, administrative regulations, speeches and talking points.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for judges, court administrators, and Magisterial District Judges’ staff on administrative inquiries.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-approved law school.
• Admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, PLUS
• Two years of progressively responsible legal experience.

Job Highlights

• 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, employee assistance programs, and retirement plans.
• Telework may be available up to 2 days per week after training.
• Healthcare flexible spending account.
• 6 weeks paid parental leave for eligible employees.

• 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, employee assistance programs, and retirement plans.
• Telework may be available up to 2 days per week after training.
• Healthcare flexible spending account.
• 6 weeks paid parental leave for eligible employees.