Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Health and Adult Services Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

1d • $83,945 - $117,022 • Onsite

About The Position

The attorney will represent City of Philadelphia health and social service entities that serve adult residents, including the Department of Public Health, the Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services, and the Office of Homeless Services. The role involves independently managing a large caseload of affirmative mental health civil commitment litigation, a smaller number of lead code violation complaints, and defense of the City in administrative appeals arising from agency decisions. Attorneys handle cases from inception through disposition in a fast-paced, high-volume litigation unit.

The attorney will review and respond to subpoenas, potentially litigate subpoena matters, interview witnesses, meet with clients, conduct legal research, and draft pleadings and motions. The role requires strong oral advocacy, legal research and writing, independent case management, sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to public service. The position is fully onsite, with in-person attendance five days per week. The successful candidate must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Requirements

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have at least one year of relevant litigation experience.
• Deputy City Solicitor applicants must have at least four years of relevant litigation experience.
• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar or currently eligible for admission by reciprocity under Pa.B.A.R. 204. Attorneys not admitted in Pennsylvania within six months of hire may continue employment at the Law Department's discretion.
• Excellent oral advocacy, legal research, and writing skills.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency rules and processes relevant to the Unit's clients, particularly confidentiality requirements for client documents.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, identify relevant facts, propose solutions, and use diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to identify applicable laws and regulations for specific matters.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries; listen and respond to questions; and present to large groups and high-level officials.
• Excellent judgment and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including identifying and analyzing legal issues in complex fact patterns.
• Ability to work independently and organize and maintain a high-volume caseload.
• Ability to ask thoughtful questions, seek input from colleagues, and contribute to a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and respect for individual differences.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Legal experience involving duties described under Essential Functions, ideally including some or most of those duties.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia before government agencies and judicial forums.
• Independently litigate high-volume cases from inception to resolution, including researching cases, preparing witness testimony, arranging client meetings, developing case theories, and preparing closing arguments.
• Handle mental health civil commitment hearings, lead code violation complaints, and administrative appeals arising from agency decisions.
• Review and respond to subpoenas and potentially litigate subpoena matters.
• Interview witnesses and meet with clients.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and responses for filing.
• Conduct legal research and identify relevant laws and regulations.
• Monitor and interpret changes in case law, statutes, and regulations that affect the Unit's practice.
• Negotiate settlements.
• Track cases, maintain case files, and perform administrative and case-management functions related to the practice of law.
• Communicate professionally and promptly with judges, colleagues, and opposing parties.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and equitable access to services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• Help foster a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment that values diversity.
• Communicate regularly with and seek advice from supervisors, mentors, and Unit members.
• Participate in efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.
• Educate clients about applicable legal requirements and policy positions.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA's Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness program eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with local colleges and universities, with savings of 10% to 40% on educational expenses.

What This Job Offers

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