Assistant City Solicitor - Child Welfare Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government, providing legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Law Department's Child Welfare Unit (CWU) represents the City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) in all aspects of its work in investigating reports of child abuse and child neglect and providing services to children and families in need. The CWU is a collegial, fast-paced, and challenging unit in which, with appropriate training and supervision, attorneys are expected to manage their case files from start to finish independently. This position is ideal for candidates looking to improve and develop their court room skills while at the same time assisting the City in protecting some of its most vulnerable citizens.

Requirements

• 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)
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process
• 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 and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns
• Ability to organize and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload
• Ability to work independently
• Must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred

Responsibilities

• Litigating Dependency Cases in Family Court in Bench Trials
• Litigating Permanency Hearings for Children adjudicated dependent in Family Court
• Litigating Termination of Parental Rights/Adoption Cases in Family Court
• Representing DHS at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in Expungement matters
• Preparing DHS files for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting these files
• Litigating motions to quash subpoenas for DHS records
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues

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