Assistant City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit job

About the Agency

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 civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Department employs more than 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.

About the Civil Rights Unit

The Civil Rights Unit (CRU) represents the City of Philadelphia and its employees in federal and state court, handling all lawsuits alleging that the City and its employees violated an individual's constitutional rights or engaged in an intentional tort. In addition to litigation, the CRU counsels City Departments regarding issues with potential civil rights implications, working mostly with the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and at times the Department of Human Services. Members of the CRU discuss policy changes and implications with client departments and participate in the after-action review process through which the team discusses, compiles, and shares advice gleaned from litigation with client departments.

Position Summary

This is an entry level position that provides the successful candidate an opportunity to manage cases from start to finish. All pleadings, discovery, and motions are developed by the assigned attorney, who also serves as first chair at trial in the event the case does not resolve via motion or settlement. Prior civil litigation experience and/or a federal clerkship are preferred. Applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. Attorneys in the CRU reasonably expect to try between three and seven cases a year in federal or state court and/or participate in virtual court proceedings, so comfort with public speaking and a desire to hone oral advocacy skills are preferred.

Essential Functions

• Trying federal and state court cases before a jury or judge
• Representing the City and employees at arbitrations
• Taking and defending depositions
• Attending court conferences and hearings
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues
• Participating in analyses of policies currently in place
• Developing, with the team, proposed policy or practice modifications for consideration by the clients as a result of lessons learned through litigation

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn
• 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 cases 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 analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients

Qualifications

• This is an entry level position but one (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred
• Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either 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)
• Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department

Work Location & Onsite Expectations

This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is well-suited for candidates who are 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.

Pay

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

Benefits

• Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA's Key Advantage program (buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail)
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Wellness program offering eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
• Tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40% savings) through partnerships with over a dozen colleges and universities, extending in some cases to spouse and dependents