Deputy City Solicitor

Job Description

Position Summary 

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 Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit.  The attorney would bring affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia primarily in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas for violations arising from the Philadelphia Code.  The attorney will also be responsible for representing the City of Philadelphia before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review, Tax Review Board, and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment, along with any appeals to the Court of Common Pleas from those administrative agency decisions.  The attorney will also defend the City or bring on behalf of the City emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code in the Court of Common Pleas or before the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  This position requires the attorney to manage a large caseload.  The attorney will need to engage in all aspects of litigation to prepare and present cases before the Philadelphia Court system. 

Essential Functions 

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. 

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees before government agencies and in legal matters. 

• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in code enforcement 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 their clients or others and argue on behalf of the clients 

• Prepare and file legal documents, such as preliminary objections, answers, dispositive motions, and appellate briefs in statutory appeals. 

• Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents. 

• Negotiate settlements. 

• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process.  

• 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 interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.  

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference. 

• Excellent research and writing skills.  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a 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. 

Qualifications

• 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 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). 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. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Salary Range:  $97,299 to $117,022- Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Joanna Klein, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Litigation Division, Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit ([email protected]).  

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Compensation: 97299 to 117022 (USD) (YEARLY)