Senior Attorney - Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

25d • $118,325 - $143,237 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced and licensed PA attorney to assist with training and mentoring attorneys in the Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit. This unit brings affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in various courts and administrative boards, handling cases related to property owners and food handlers whose actions jeopardize public health, safety, and welfare. The Senior Attorney will be responsible for training and professional development, staying updated on relevant law and policy, preparing training materials, and providing one-on-one support to attorneys. They will also supervise new hires' preparation for hearings and accompany them as needed. Additionally, the Senior Attorney will handle cases, conduct research, draft client memoranda, edit briefs, lead projects, and may serve as the unit's appeal coordinator or support that role. Prior litigation experience is required, along with outstanding communication, interpersonal, analytical, and legal research skills. Subject matter expertise in code enforcement law and policy is preferred.

Requirements

• PA licensed attorney
• Minimum of approximately nine (9) years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities desired.
• 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).
• Prior litigation experience is required.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, analytical, and legal research skills.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand.
• Ability to train and mentor staff.
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.
• Must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Subject matter expertise in code enforcement law and policy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the new hire training program and ongoing professional development for attorneys in the Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit.
• Stay up to date on changes in code enforcement and other relevant law and policy.
• Present and prepare training materials for both the Unit and operational departments.
• Provide one-on-one support for attorneys.
• Supervise new hires' preparation for hearings and accompany them as needed.
• Handle cases, conduct research, draft client memoranda, and edit briefs.
• Lead projects as needed.
• Assist the Chief by acting as the Unit’s appeal coordinator or supporting that role, including tracking statutory appeals, coordinating with the Appeals Unit, and reviewing briefs.
• Litigate code enforcement matters in Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas.
• Litigate cases before administrative boards.
• Litigate emergency petitions in the Court of Common Pleas.
• Litigate statutory appeals in the Court of Common Pleas.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, agreements, and memorandums.
• Research and analyze complex legal issues.
• Provide mentoring, training, and resources for attorneys.
• Act as a stopgap where workforce or workflow responsibilities threaten and support newer attorneys.
• Advise unit management on matters that impact the law or might serve to improve efficiency.
• Communicate with defendants, opposing counsel, and clients regarding cases and Philadelphia Code provisions.
• Advise clients on individual cases based on factual circumstances and the law, and coach newer attorneys.
• Provide advice and counsel to the client on larger issues independent of specific cases.
• Work on special projects as assigned, which may include leading special project committees.
• Track and manage case schedules and deadlines, including entering notes following hearings in the case management system.
• Attend meetings.
• Give presentations at Unit Meetings and/or CLEs.
• Conduct interviews as part of a hiring panel/committee.
• Foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.

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, extending to spouse and dependents in some cases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior