Assistant City Solicitor - Labor and Employment Unit
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 law and litigation matters, including employment discrimination and harassment claims, and provides counsel on labor and employment law matters. Attorneys may also provide training to City human resources professionals and supervisors. This is a high-volume litigation practice that can involve complex settlement negotiations. Assistant City Solicitors handle assigned matters independently, with appropriate guidance and supervision from a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, and contribute as part of a team. Matters may be heard before the Civil Service Commission, AAA arbitrations, the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, the EEOC, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, and in federal and state courts. The role requires adaptability across different matters and forums, strong organization, and the ability to manage complex work. The position is fully onsite, with employees expected to report in person five days per week. The successful candidate must become a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
Requirements
- Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or current eligibility 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 discretion of the Law Department.
- Knowledge of employment discrimination and 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 substantial information, determine relevant facts, identify applicable laws and regulations, and propose viable solutions.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally, present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries, listen and respond to questions, present to groups and high-level officials, and use diplomacy in challenging situations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
- Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
- Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills.
- Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
- Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
Nice To Haves
- At least one year of relevant experience in a legal setting is preferred.
- Familiarity with legal issues arising under Title VII, the ADA, FMLA, the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, and related employment law.
- Familiarity with interest and 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 courts, and in other forums.
- Advise clients on individual cases based on the facts and applicable law, and provide broader legal advice 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 appropriate witnesses and evidence, and handle the hearings.
- Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, court and administrative law staff, colleagues, judges, and others involved in cases.
- Conduct and respond to discovery.
- Negotiate and advise on case settlements and draft settlement agreements.
- Conduct legal and comparative research, identify applicable statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative decisions, and draft legal memoranda with analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Work on special projects as assigned.
- Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of 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.
- Eligibility for a discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
