Deputy City Solicitor – Civil Rights Unit

City of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

1d•$94,465 - $113,614•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with five or more years of litigation experience as a Deputy City Solicitor in the Civil Rights Unit. The ideal candidate will have several years of civil litigation experience, preferably involving issues relating to civil rights litigation but not required. The candidate will have extensive opportunities to handle jury trials. Lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit handle their cases from inception (initial pleadings, discovery) through disposition (motion, settlement, or trial). They thus must exhibit poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills, as well as excellent legal research and writing capability. The candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising under civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and the immunities and exceptions provided under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act. This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations. It is a demanding but rewarding position.

Requirements

Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn
Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter
Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
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.
Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office.
Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients
This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately five (5) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either 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).
Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.
The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will have several years of civil litigation experience, preferably involving issues relating to civil rights litigation but not required.
The candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising under civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and the immunities and exceptions provided under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act.

Responsibilities

Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before judges and juries in both state and federal court
Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs in tort litigation
Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case
Conduct research and analysis of legal problems
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 their clients or others and argue on behalf of the 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

Benefits

City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available
As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships.

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