Senior Attorney - Civil Rights Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Attorney will work in the City of Philadelphia Law Department’s Civil Rights Unit, which represents the City and its employees in state and federal court in lawsuits alleging violations of constitutional rights or intentional torts. The Unit also advises City departments on matters with potential civil rights implications, including through after-action reviews that share lessons from litigation with client departments.

This is a high-volume, complex litigation position with extensive opportunities to handle jury trials and complex settlement negotiations. The attorney will advise and represent the City and its employees, conduct legal research and analysis, prepare and file court documents, present evidence and arguments, negotiate settlements, and supervise legal assistants. The role requires strong oral advocacy, legal research and writing, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive matters professionally.

The position is fully onsite in Philadelphia, with employees expected to report in person five days per week. The successful candidate must become a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Requirements

• Nine or more 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 by reciprocity under Pa.B.A.R. 204.
• Attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must obtain admission within six months of hire, subject to the Law Department's discretion for continued employment.
• Knowledge of civil rights issues under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and immunities and exceptions under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act.
• 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 and communicate legal information clearly in writing.
• Ability to present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, and juries; answer questions; present to large groups and high-level officials; and use diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to 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 in complex fact patterns.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and commitment to public service.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and its employees before judges and juries in state and federal court.
• 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 and study applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and government agencies.
• Present facts in writing and verbally, 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.
• Counsel City departments on issues with potential civil rights implications and participate in after-action reviews.

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.
• Wellness program eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree