Senior Attorney - Civil Rights Unit
About The Position
The Senior Attorney will represent and advise the City of Philadelphia and its employees in civil rights and tort litigation in state and federal courts. The role is part of the Civil Rights Unit, which handles lawsuits alleging violations of constitutional rights or intentional torts and advises City departments on issues with potential civil rights implications. The position offers extensive jury-trial opportunities and involves a high-volume litigation practice, complex settlement negotiations, and sensitive, confidential matters requiring professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion. The attorney is expected to demonstrate poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy, along with excellent legal research and writing skills. Relevant legal knowledge includes 42 U.S.C. § 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and immunities and exceptions under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act. The position is fully onsite, with in-person work five days per week. The successful candidate must become a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
Requirements
- At least nine years of legal experience practicing complex litigation in state and/or federal court.
- First-chair jury trial experience.
- Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or current eligibility for admission to practice in Pennsylvania by reciprocity under Pa.B.A.R. 204.
- Attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must obtain admission within six months of hire; continued employment in that circumstance is at the Law Department's discretion.
- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency policies, and processes.
- Ability to analyze substantial information, identify relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
- Ability to identify applicable laws and regulations for specific matters.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally, present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, and juries, listen and answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials, and use diplomacy in challenging situations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
- Excellent legal research and writing skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
- Ability to work onsite in person five days per week.
- Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
- Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.
Responsibilities
- Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and its employees before judges and juries in state and federal courts.
- Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs in tort litigation.
- Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in cases.
- Research and analyze 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 clients or others and argue on behalf of clients.
- Prepare and file legal documents, including preliminary objections, answers, and dispositive motions.
- Supervise legal assistants.
- Analyze probable case outcomes using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Negotiate settlements.
- Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
- Participate in after-action reviews and share litigation-based advice with client departments.
Benefits
- Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA's Key Advantage program.
- Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
- Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
- Eligibility for a discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Retirement savings options.
- Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with area colleges and universities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
