Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney - Tort Litigation Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

8d • $94,465 - $143,237 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking a Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney to join the Tort Litigation Unit. This role involves defending the City of Philadelphia and its employees against various civil claims, including premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, and property damage. The attorney will manage a caseload of approximately 75-85 Major Jury cases, independently conducting discovery, depositions, drafting legal documents, and representing the City in trials, arbitrations, or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

The position requires a strong commitment to public service, professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion. The attorney will work with experts, manage litigation calendars, and collaborate with clients, colleagues, and judicial officers. The role is designated as fully onsite, requiring five days of in-person reporting per week.

Requirements

• A 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).
• For Deputy City Solicitor: a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience, including some or most of those described under Essential Functions.
• For Senior Attorney: nine (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of the unit.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to find applicable laws and regulations for a specific matter.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Ability to clearly present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries.
• Ability to listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

• The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Defend the City of Philadelphia and its employees against premises liability, motor vehicle, and property damage claims in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
• Manage a caseload of approximately 75-85 Major Jury cases.
• Independently conduct intensive discovery and investigation of tort claims.
• Conduct and defend depositions.
• Attend court conferences.
• Draft appropriate pleadings, court memoranda, discovery, and dispositive motions.
• Work with experts (e.g., engineers, medical doctors).
• Represent the City at trial, arbitration, or ADR.
• Independently manage case files from initial pleading through settlement or trial.
• Manage litigation calendars.
• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and its employees before government agencies and in legal matters.
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in tort litigation.
• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.
• Conduct research and analysis of legal issues.
• Study federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and government agencies.
• Present facts in writing and verbally to clients or others and argue on behalf of clients.
• Prepare and file legal documents, such as preliminary objections, answers, and dispositive motions.
• Supervise legal assistants.
• Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
• Negotiate settlements.
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.

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.
• Eligibility into the discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40% savings) with partner colleges and universities, potentially extending to spouse and dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree