Chief Deputy City Solicitor – Appeals Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor heads the City of Philadelphia Law Department’s Appeals Unit, managing the appellate practice of a large municipal law department. The position supervises approximately five appellate attorneys and one non-attorney staff member, advises attorneys on briefing, argument, and settlement strategy, and authorizes settlements when they are in the City’s best interest. The Chief Deputy also represents the City and its officials in significant and routine appellate matters, including briefs, oral arguments, and settlement negotiations in state and federal courts.

The role provides legal advice to City clients on high-exposure matters, particularly First Amendment issues, and leads collaboration with other Department units on topics including tax policy and litigation strategy, trial strategy, contract provisions, proposed legislation, and interpretation of the City’s statutory obligations. The Chief Deputy serves as the primary contact for issue spotting and workflow management across these collaborations.

The role is fully onsite in Philadelphia, with employees expected to report in person five days per week. The successful candidate must become a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.

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, including making complex factual and legal presentations to courts.
• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or current eligibility for admission by reciprocity under Pa.B.A.R. 204. Attorneys not admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar 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, and agency rules and processes, or demonstrated ability to learn them quickly.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, identify relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and determine applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and present and explain cases to judges, arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, clients, large groups, and high-level officials; listen and answer questions; and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiation, 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 interpersonal skills and ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise all attorneys and administrative personnel in the Appeals Unit.
• Coach employees to improve 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 appellate courts.
• Ensure that the Unit provides proactive legal counseling to City departments and agencies.
• Build relationships with state and federal appellate courts by pursuing opportunities to present at CLEs, attend networking events, and speak to interns.
• Foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment that values diversity.
• Participate in external efforts to raise the profile of the Appeals Unit and the 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.
• Advise attorneys on brief, argument, and settlement strategy, and authorize settlements when in the City’s best interest.
• Advise City clients on high-exposure legal matters, particularly First Amendment issues.
• Lead collaboration with other Department units on legal and policy matters, serving as the primary point of contact for issue spotting and workflow management.

Benefits

• Unlimited free SEPTA public transportation year-round through the 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 to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with area colleges and universities, with savings of 10% to 40% on educational expenses in some cases for employees, spouses, and dependents.

What This Job Offers

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