Senior Attorney - Civil Rights Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

5d • 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. The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. The Civil Rights Unit represents 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 on civil rights implications, often working with the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and the Department of Human Services. This role involves discussing policy changes and implications with client departments and participating in an after-action review process to share advice gleaned from litigation.

Requirements

• Nine (9) plus years of legal experience practicing complex litigation in state and/or federal court.
• First chair jury trial experience required.
• 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).
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency polices and process.
• 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 interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• The successful candidate 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 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.
• 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.
• Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• 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) from 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