Associate Solicitor - State Litigation

Position Summary

The Associate City Solicitor (ACS) serves as leader and manager of the State Litigation Group within the Law Department. The ACS handles cases and manages a team of lawyers who represent the City in state litigation, collaborates with and mentors other attorneys, assigns projects, and supervises support staff in the section.

About the Law Department

The City of Pittsburgh Law Department acts as general counsel to the entire City government, providing legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. Attorneys represent the City and its officials in litigation—including trial and appellate matters in state and federal courts—draft legislation, negotiate and document transactions, handle real estate matters, and advise on operational issues. The department is located in the City‑County Building (Pittsburgh’s “City Hall”), 414 Grant Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, and offers a dynamic, collegial environment for the practice of law.

Requirements

• General Requirements: Complete application (resume, cover letter, writing sample, supplemental questions); must become and remain a resident of the City of Pittsburgh; background investigation (criminal, driver’s license, real‑estate tax payments); official transcripts verifying post‑secondary education (law school transcripts required prior to interview, all other transcripts prior to hire).
• Work Experience: Minimum eight (8) years of full‑time litigation experience, with at least four (4) years dedicated to state litigation; jury trial experience in state court is required; litigation experience for government or municipal clients is preferred.
• Education/Training: Juris Doctorate degree and an active Pennsylvania law license (or eligibility to practice in Pennsylvania on the start date); writing sample must be attached to the application.
• Equivalency: No education/training or work‑experience equivalency is permitted.
• Civil Service Examinations: No written, performance, or medical examinations are required for this position.

Position Duties

• Manage lawyers and staff effectively in the State Litigation Group.
• Handle all aspects of state litigation, including discovery, motions, settlements, alternative dispute resolution, jury trials, appeals, and arguments before trial and appellate courts.
• Advise internal employees on various relevant legal issues.
• Review legislation, regulations, forms, rules, plans, and policies as requested on relevant topics.
• Maintain and develop expertise about laws, regulations, and court decisions affecting litigation topics and municipal legal issues.
• Perform other related tasks and duties as assigned or required by the City Solicitor.

Pay

Salary: $124,197 per year. This is a non‑union, exempt position.