Divisional Deputy City Solicitor – Civil Rights Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

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 covers unique issues in public interest, including business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The department employs over 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff, aiming to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability, and address quality of life threats. It fosters an environment of empowerment, collaboration, diversity, camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness. The Litigation Group includes the Civil Rights Unit (CRU), which represents the City of Philadelphia and its employees in federal and state court, handling lawsuits alleging constitutional rights violations or intentional torts. Beyond litigation, the CRU counsels City Departments, particularly the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Department of Prisons, Department of Licenses and Inspections, and at times the Department of Human Services, on issues with potential civil rights implications. This involves discussing policy changes and implications, and participating in after-action reviews to compile and share advice gleaned from litigation with client departments. The City of Philadelphia is seeking an experienced litigator, licensed in Pennsylvania, for the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor position within the Civil Rights Unit. This role involves managing and defending cases in state and federal court related to allegations of constitutional harm, as well as supervising a team of junior attorneys and legal assistants. It is a demanding but rewarding position that requires excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, especially given the trial-heavy nature of many cases. The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable about legal issues under 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and immunities/exceptions under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act. The position also includes providing mentorship and guidance to a team handling complex legal and factual matters.

Requirements

• Experienced litigator
• Licensed in Pennsylvania
• At least 10 years of litigation experience practicing complex litigation in state and/or federal court
• 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
• Prior experience supervising attorneys throughout various stages of litigation
• First chair jury trial experience required
• 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)
• 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
• Ability to 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
• Must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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

• 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
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees