Assistant City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level position that provides the successful candidate an opportunity to manage cases from start to finish. All pleadings, discovery, and motions are developed by the assigned attorney, who also serves as first chair at trial in the event the case does not resolve via motion or settlement. Consequently, prior civil litigation experience and/or a federal clerkship are preferred, and applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. Because attorneys in the Civil Rights Unit reasonably expect to try between three and seven cases a year in federal or state court and/or participate in virtual court proceedings, comfort with public speaking and a desire to hone oral advocacy skills are preferred.

Requirements

• Law degree from an ABA accredited law school
• 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)
• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand
• Ability to clearly present and explain their case 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 with a demonstrated 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
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients

Nice To Haves

• Prior civil litigation experience
• Federal clerkship
• One (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting

Responsibilities

• Trying federal and state court cases before a jury or judge
• Representing the City and employees at arbitrations
• Taking and defending depositions
• Attending court conferences and hearings
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues
• Participating in analyses of policies currently in place
• Developing, with the team, proposed policy or practice modifications for consideration by the clients as a result of lessons learned through litigation

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
• Wellness program offers eligibility into the 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 (10% to 40% savings on educational expenses, potentially extending to spouse and dependents)

What This Job Offers

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