Chief Deputy City Solicitor – Appeals Unit
About The Position
The Chief Deputy City Solicitor is the head of the City of Philadelphia Law Department’s Appeals Unit, managing the appellate practice and supervising a team of approximately five appellate attorneys and one non-attorney staff member. The Unit represents the City and its employees in federal and state appellate courts, handling cases across a broad range of subject matters, including high-exposure litigation involving overturned convictions, Ninth Exception matters, and tax issues. The Chief Deputy advises attorneys on briefing, oral argument, and settlement strategy; authorizes settlements when they are in the City’s best interest; and personally handles significant and routine appellate matters as needed. The role also provides legal advice to City clients on high-exposure matters, particularly First Amendment issues, and leads collaborations with other Law Department units on matters such as tax policy, litigation and trial strategy, contracts, proposed legislation, and statutory interpretation. 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
- At least nine years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of the Unit.
- Significant jury trial experience.
- Significant appellate 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 by reciprocity under Pennsylvania Bar Admission Rule 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 demonstrated 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 a specific matter.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally, present and explain cases to judges, arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, clients, large groups, and high-level officials, listen and answer questions, 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.
- Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills.
- Ability to train professional legal staff 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.
- Must establish Philadelphia residency within six months of hire.
- Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Responsibilities
- Manage and supervise all attorneys and administrative personnel in the Appeals Unit.
- Coach employees to strengthen their written and courtroom presentations and their relationships with clients and the bench.
- Represent the City in federal and state court settlement conferences involving substantial potential liability.
- Brief and present oral arguments on complex legal issues in state and federal courts of appeal.
- Ensure that the Unit provides proactive legal counseling to City departments and agencies.
- Build relationships with state and federal appellate courts, including by seeking opportunities to present at CLEs, attend networking events, and speak to interns.
- Foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values diversity.
- Participate in external efforts to raise the profile of the Appeals Unit and Law Department.
- Develop and update a rigorous training program for new attorneys.
- Work closely with clients to support compliance with applicable federal and state law.
- Advise Unit attorneys on briefing, argument, and settlement strategy, and authorize settlements when in the City’s best interest.
- Represent the City and its officials in significant and routine appellate matters, including briefs, arguments, and settlement negotiations.
- Advise clients on high-exposure legal matters, particularly First Amendment issues.
- Lead cross-unit collaboration on tax policy and litigation strategy, trial strategy, contracts, proposed legislation, and interpretations of the City’s statutory obligations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for issue spotting and workflow management for cross-unit collaborations.
Benefits
- Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
- Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
- Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
- Wellness program eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Retirement savings options.
- Eligibility to participate in Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
- 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
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
