Divisional Deputy City Solicitor

City of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. The City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government, providing legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. Its civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development, employing over 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff. The Litigation Group includes several units, with the Civil Rights Unit representing the City of Philadelphia and its employees in federal and state court, handling lawsuits alleging constitutional rights violations or intentional torts. The Unit also counsels City Departments, such as the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Department of Prisons, Department of Licenses and Inspections, and Department of Human Services, on civil rights implications and policy changes. The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator, licensed in Pennsylvania, to manage and defend cases filed in both state and federal court arising from allegations of constitutional harm, and to supervise a team of junior attorneys and legal assistants. This demanding but rewarding position requires excellent legal research and writing, superior oral advocacy skills, and knowledge of 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.

Requirements

Experienced litigator, licensed in Pennsylvania.
At least 10 years of litigation experience.
At least three years of constitutional litigation experience.
Excellent legal research and writing capability.
Poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills.
Knowledgeable about legal issues arising under civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983.
Knowledgeable about municipal liability under Monell and its progeny.
Knowledgeable about the immunities and exceptions provided under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act.
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.
Ability 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 interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
First chair jury trial experience.
Law degree from an ABA accredited law school.
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).
City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
Minimum Education Required: College degree.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supervising attorneys throughout various stages of litigation.

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 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 junior attorneys and legal assistants.
Collaborate with and advise junior attorneys on case stratagems, theories, and issues.
Review and approve junior attorneys’ pleadings, motions, and other court filings.
Communicate with and review the work of outside counsel.
Attend meetings as representative of the unit with other city departments and clients.
Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
Negotiate settlements.
Being available to assist the Chief Deputy in all matters affecting the Civil Rights Unit.

Benefits

Vibrant work environment.
Comprehensive health care and benefits.
Experience to grow and excel.
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.
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.
Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
Paid vacation.
Sick leave.
Paid holidays.
Generous retirement savings options.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Tuition Discounts and Scholarships (10% to 40% savings) with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities, extending to spouse and dependents in some cases.