Law Department – Health and Adult Services Unit - Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

2d • $83,945 - $117,022 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Law Department's Health and Adult Services Unit (HAS) represents the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), the Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), and the Office of Homeless Services (“OHS”), among others. The HAS is a collegial, fast-paced, high-volume litigation unit in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage their case files from start to finish. Through our unit's litigation efforts, we ensure the health and safety of individuals in mental health crisis, people receiving services for intellectual disability, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as protection from the spread of communicable diseases including protecting children from irreversible lead poisoning. We also provide legal guidance to the Medical Examiner's Office.

The attorney will play a critical role in representing City social and health-related city entities that serve the adult residents of Philadelphia. The attorney will be responsible for independently managing a large caseload of affirmative litigation in mental health civil commitment hearings, as well as a smaller number of lead code violation complaints. The attorney will also defend the City in administrative appeals arising from agency decisions. Attorneys in the HAS Unit handle their cases from inception through disposition. The successful candidate will possess superior oral advocacy skills, excellent legal research and writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to seeking input, clarifying uncertainties, and sharing knowledge with other members of the team. Additional responsibilities for this position include reviewing, responding to, and potentially litigating subpoenas; interviewing witnesses; meeting with clients; drafting pleadings and motions; and conducting legal research.

Requirements

• At least one (1) year of relevant litigation experience (for Assistant City Solicitor).
• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant litigation experience (for Deputy City Solicitor).
• Legal experience should ideally include some or most of those described under Essential Functions.
• A law degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204).
• Superior oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to seeking input, clarifying uncertainties, and sharing knowledge with other members of the team.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials.
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to ask thoughtful questions, seek input from colleagues, and contribute to a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to organize and maintain a high-volume caseload.
• The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making real-time decisions, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia before government agencies and judicial forums.
• Autonomously litigate fast-paced, high-volume cases from inception to resolution which will include researching cases, preparing witness testimony, orchestrating client meetings, developing case theories, and crafting closing arguments.
• Cultivate familiarity with Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976, Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955, Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, Confidentiality of HIV-related Information Act of 1990, The Philadelphia City Code, Philadelphia Home Rule Charter as well as various applicable regulations and caselaw.
• Flag, analyze and interpret changes in case law, statutes and regulations that impact the Unit’s practice.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and responses for filing.
• Negotiate settlements.
• Track cases, maintain case files and perform other administrative and case management functions related to the practice of law.
• Communicate timely and professionally with the judges, colleagues, and opposing parties.
• Develop and nurture values of diversity equity and inclusion, ensuring equitable access to services, especially considering this Unit’s interaction with the City’s most vulnerable populations.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.
• Regularly communicate with and seek advice from supervisor, mentors and unit members.
• Participate in efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.

Benefits

• Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Eligibility into the discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40%) from partner colleges and universities, extending to spouse and dependents in some cases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level