Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

3d • $148,816 - $175,756 • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor heads the City of Philadelphia Law Department’s Civil Rights Unit, managing a civil rights practice that represents the City and its employees in federal and state court. The Unit handles lawsuits alleging constitutional violations or intentional torts, as well as certain negligence cases involving the sexual assault of juveniles. It also advises City departments on matters with potential civil rights implications, particularly the Police Department and Department of Prisons.

This management-level role supervises three managing attorneys, approximately 20 trial attorneys, and seven non-attorney staff members. The Chief Deputy represents the City and its officials in significant jury trials and settlement negotiations, advises attorneys on trial and settlement strategy, and authorizes settlements when in the City’s best interest. The position also liaises with outside counsel on high-exposure matters and advises senior officials, including the Police Commissioner and Prisons Commissioner.

The position 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. Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. Salary is $148,816–$175,756, commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

• At least 9 years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and responsibilities of the Unit.
• Significant jury trial experience.
• Significant experience making complex factual and legal presentations to the court.
• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or current eligibility for admission to practice in Pennsylvania by reciprocity under Pa.B.A.R. 204. Attorneys not admitted in Pennsylvania within six months of hire may continue employment at the Law Department’s discretion.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and processes, or 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 clearly in writing and present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, and juries.
• Ability to listen, answer questions, present to large 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 in 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 train legal and non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
• 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.
• City of Philadelphia residency within six months of hire.
• Submit a cover letter and resume.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise all attorneys and administrative personnel in the Civil Rights Unit.
• Coach employees to improve courtroom presentations and relationships with clients and the bench.
• Appear regularly in federal and state court settlement conferences in cases with substantial potential City liability.
• Sit first or second chair in federal or state court jury trials.
• Oversee Settlement Committee meetings to discuss case strategy and settlement authority.
• Ensure proactive legal counseling for the Police Department, Department of Prisons, and other City departments and agencies.
• Meet regularly with the Police Commissioner and Prisons Commissioner.
• Explore risk-mitigation strategies using data, case studies, and after-action reviews.
• Explore ways to improve efficiency and processes through technology.
• Arrange mock juries to test liability in cases set for trial.
• Foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values diversity.
• Participate in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and Law Department.
• Develop and update a rigorous training program for new attorneys.
• Work closely with clients to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state law.
• Represent the City and its officials in significant civil rights jury trials and settlement negotiations.
• Advise Unit attorneys on trial and settlement strategy and authorize settlements when in the City’s best interest.
• Serve as liaison to outside counsel in high-exposure constitutional and Ninth Exception cases, facilitating discovery, motions practice, and settlement negotiations.
• Advise high-ranking officials in the Police Department and Department of Prisons.

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.
• Retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with area colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

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