The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is aided by select boards, committees, commissions, and councils consisting of more than 180 appointed volunteers – most, but not all, are lawyers and judges. The panels have a wide range of responsibilities and functions. Some make recommendations to the Court for amendments, revisions, or simplification of court procedural rules. Others regulate the practice of law, oversee continuing legal education for lawyers, and administer funds to assist individuals unable to pay for legal services. Still others advise on keeping the courts free of bias and discrimination and on long-range planning.
There are currently vacancies on the following panels:
- Disciplinary Board – Applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania bar. In addition, applicants should be knowledgeable about the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct and Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.
- Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee – Applicants should be knowledgeable about the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure governing domestic relations matters and be experienced in family law practice in Pennsylvania.
- Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee – Applicants should be knowledgeable about the Pennsylvania Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure and be experienced in juvenile law practice in Pennsylvania, including dependency and delinquency matters. One of the vacancies is for a small-county representative.
- Board of Law Examiners – Applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania bar or jurists. In addition, applicants should be knowledgeable about law school curriculum, legal practice, and attorney ethical obligations. Law school faculty may not serve on this Board. Additionally, applicants should not apply for a membership position if, during that position’s term of service, they will have immediate family members who will be taking the bar examination or seeking membership in the Pennsylvania bar.
- Lawyers Fund for Client Security – Lawyer applicants should be knowledgeable about the practice of federal or state law in Pennsylvania and about a lawyer’s duties to clients. Non-lawyer applicants should have an interest in supporting public trust and confidence in the legal profession. The vacancies are for a member of the bar and a non-lawyer public member.
If you would like to be considered to serve on a board, committee, advisory group, or related independent entity, email the application, cover letter, resume, and other pertinent information expressing your reasons of interest to SCApplications@pacourts.us.
Application information may be found on the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania website. Applications are due by Tuesday, December 31, 2024.