Deputy City Solicitor – Civil Rights Unit

About the role

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with five or more years of litigation experience as a Deputy City Solicitor in the Civil Rights Unit. The ideal candidate will have several years of civil litigation experience, preferably involving issues relating to civil rights litigation but not required. The candidate will have extensive opportunities to handle jury trials. Lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit handle their cases from inception (initial pleadings, discovery) through disposition (motion, settlement, or trial). They thus must exhibit poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills, as well as excellent legal research and writing capability. The position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations. It is a demanding but rewarding position.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and its employees, before judges and juries in both state and federal court
• Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs 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
• 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

Requirements

• This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately five (5) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
• 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).

Qualifications

• 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 their case 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 train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
• 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;

Benefits

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Pay

Salary Range: $94,465 to $113,614 – Commensurate with education and experience

Schedule

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.

Additional Information

To Apply: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, writing sample, and resume.