Assistant City Solicitor - Child Welfare Unit
About The Position
The Assistant City Solicitor works in the City of Philadelphia Law Department’s Child Welfare Unit (CWU), which represents the Department of Human Services in matters involving the investigation of child abuse and neglect and services to children and families. After appropriate training and supervision, attorneys manage their cases independently. The position offers substantial caseload responsibility shortly after arrival, with courtroom duties beginning after a one-month training interval. It is suited to candidates seeking to develop courtroom skills while helping protect vulnerable residents. The role requires handling sensitive matters and confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service. It is fully onsite, with employees expected to report in person five days per week. The successful candidate must become a City of 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.
- Strong communication, analytical, research, and writing skills.
- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and processes.
- Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
- Ability to identify applicable laws and regulations for a specific matter.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries; listen and answer questions; present to large groups and high-level officials; and use diplomacy in challenging situations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
- Commitment to diversity and respect for individual differences.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the 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 become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
- Must submit a cover letter and resume to apply.
Nice To Haves
- One or more years of relevant experience in a legal setting is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Litigate dependency cases in Family Court bench trials.
- Litigate permanency hearings for children adjudicated dependent in Family Court.
- Litigate termination of parental rights and adoption cases in Family Court.
- Represent the Department of Human Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in expungement matters.
- Prepare Department of Human Services files for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting the files.
- Litigate motions to quash subpoenas for Department of Human Services records.
- Draft pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Research and analyze complex legal issues.
- Manage and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload.
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 area colleges and universities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
