Assistant City Solicitor - Tort Litigation Unit

About the role

The City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. The Tort Litigation Unit defends the property damage and personal injury claims brought against the City and its employees. The Major Trials Division of the Tort Litigation Unit is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging litigation Division in which attorneys are expected to independently manage their case files from initial pleading through settlement or trial and manage their litigation calendars.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and employees before government agencies and in legal matters
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in tort litigation
• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case
• Conduct research and analysis of 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, such as preliminary objections, answers and dispositive motions
• Supervise legal assistants
• Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents
• Negotiate settlements
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law

Qualifications

• Entry-level position; one (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred
• 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)
• 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.

Skills

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and 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 that apply to a specific matter
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand
• Ability to clearly present and explain cases to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries
• Ability to listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations
• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses
• 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
• 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

Benefits

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