Assistant City Solicitor - Child Welfare Unit

About the role

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 spans public interest issues in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Child Welfare Unit (CWU) represents the Department of Human Services (DHS) in all aspects of investigating reports of child abuse and neglect and providing services to children and families in need. The CWU is a collegial, fast-paced, and challenging unit where, with appropriate training and supervision, attorneys manage their case files from start to finish independently.

Staff are expected to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service while handling sensitive matters and confidential information. This position is ideal for candidates looking to develop courtroom skills while protecting vulnerable citizens. The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. Assistants in the CWU handle a substantial caseload within a short period and assume courtroom duties after a one-month training interval. The role suits adaptable, collaborative individuals comfortable making real-time decisions and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

Responsibilities

• Litigating Dependency Cases in Family Court in Bench Trials
• Litigating Permanency Hearings for Children adjudicated dependent in Family Court
• Litigating Termination of Parental Rights/Adoption Cases in Family Court
• Representing DHS at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in Expungement matters
• Preparing DHS files for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting these files
• Litigating motions to quash subpoenas for DHS records
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues

Qualifications

• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible for admission by reciprocity (Pa.B.A.R. 204)
• One (1) year of relevant experience within a legal setting preferred (entry-level position)
• Continued employment for attorneys not admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Skills

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions
• Ability to identify applicable laws and regulations for specific matters
• Strong written communication skills to convey information and ideas clearly
• Ability to present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries; listen and answer questions; present to large groups and high-level officials; employ diplomacy in challenging situations
• Strong interpersonal skills, including teamwork and collaboration with colleagues and clients
• Commitment to diversity, valuing all individuals and respecting differences
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns
• Ability to organize and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload
• Ability to work independently

Schedule

This position is designated as fully onsite. Employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week in accordance with City policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement.

Pay

Salary Range: $83,945 to $94,686 – Commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation via SEPTA Key Advantage program (buses, subways, trolleys, regional rail)
• Eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• Wellness program with eligibility for discounted medical plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Tuition discounts of 10% to 40% at partner colleges and universities (may extend to spouse and dependents)