Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts – Philadelphia, PA

The Administrative Arm of the Judiciary

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) serves as the critical operational backbone for the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. Operating under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, this office is responsible for the prompt and proper disposition of the business of all courts within the Commonwealth. While it does not hear legal cases or conduct trials, the AOPC ensures that the state’s judicial branch functions efficiently, providing support to 60 judicial districts, hundreds of judges, and court staff across Pennsylvania.

Functions and Responsibilities

The Philadelphia office, located in the Centre Square building, handles key administrative tasks that keep the court system running. Its primary functions include:

• Judicial Support: assisting President Judges and District Court Administrators in local management and policy implementation.
• Policy and Legal Services: Providing legal representation to system personnel and reviewing court operations to recommend improvements.
• Education: Conducting statewide continuing education programs for judges and court staff to ensure adherence to the highest legal standards.
• Technology: Developing and maintaining the state’s massive judicial automation systems, including case management and financial software used by courts statewide.

Office Protocols and Access

As an administrative headquarters rather than a public courthouse, the AOPC does not handle filings for divorce, small claims, or traffic tickets directly from the general public; these should be directed to the appropriate local county courts. Visits to the AOPC are typically by appointment only or for professional judicial business. The office is situated within a high-security commercial skyscraper. Visitors must present valid photo identification at the building’s security desk in the lobby to receive a visitor pass before proceeding to the 14th floor.

Location and Transit

The office is centrally located at 1515 Market Street (Centre Square), directly above Suburban Station and the 15th Street transit interchange. This prime location offers immediate underground access to all Regional Rail lines, the Market-Frankford Line, and the Broad Street Line, making it easily accessible for court personnel traveling from across the state. Numerous parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity for those traveling by car.