Assistant City Solicitor - Labor and Employment Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

11d • $83,945 - $94,686 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia seeks a licensed Pennsylvania attorney to join its Labor & Employment Unit as an Assistant City Solicitor. The Unit represents City departments, agencies, boards, and officials in administrative proceedings and litigation, handles employment discrimination and sexual harassment claims, and advises operating departments on labor and employment matters. The practice is high-volume and often involves complex matters and settlement negotiations.

Assistant City Solicitors handle assigned matters independently with guidance and supervision from a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, while contributing effectively as part of a team. Matters may be heard before the Civil Service Commission, in AAA arbitrations, before the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, the EEOC, or the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, and in federal and state courts. The role requires adaptability across matters and forums, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, fully onsite environment.

The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing samples.

Requirements

• 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 to practice in Pennsylvania under Pa.B.A.R. 204. Continued employment of attorneys not admitted in Pennsylvania within six months of hire is at the Law Department’s discretion.
• Knowledge of employment discrimination laws, labor relations laws, relevant court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and processes, or demonstrated ability to learn them quickly.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to identify applicable laws and regulations for specific matters.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly in writing and to present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries.
• Ability to listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and analyze legal issues in complex fact patterns.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing samples.

Nice To Haves

• More than one year of relevant experience in a legal setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with legal issues arising under Title VII, the ADA, the FMLA, the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, and related employment law.
• Interest in and familiarity with grievance arbitration statutes, agreements, and related labor law.

Responsibilities

• Represent and defend the City of Philadelphia and its clients before government agencies, in federal and state court, and in other forums.
• Advise clients on individual cases based on the facts and applicable law.
• Provide advice and counsel to clients on broader issues, in consultation with a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor.
• Prepare and file legal documents, including preliminary objections, answers, and dispositive motions.
• Prepare cases for adversarial hearings by identifying witnesses and evidence, and handle the hearings.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court and administrative law staff.
• Conduct and respond to discovery.
• Negotiate and advise on case settlements and draft settlement agreements.
• Conduct legal and comparative research into applicable statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative decisions.
• Draft legal memoranda summarizing research and legal analysis and providing conclusions and recommendations, as appropriate.
• Work on special projects as assigned.
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
• Provide training and refresher courses to City human resources professionals and supervisors in labor and employment law.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation year-round through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness program with eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous 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 in some cases for spouses and dependents as well.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree