Assistant City Solicitor

Job Description

Position Summary

The Law Department’s Tax Litigation and Collections Unit is seeking to hire a licensed Pennsylvania attorney with 1-4 years of experience as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Bankruptcy Division. This is an entry level position. Prior bankruptcy experience is preferred. Applicants must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. The Bankruptcy Division protects the City of Philadelphia’s interests in Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases throughout the country. The Division defends against objections to the City’s proofs of claim and pursues objections to debtors’ plans of reorganization or liquidation to ensure proper treatment of claims and City interests. The Division also litigates adversary proceedings and contested matters in bankruptcy cases. Representation extends to many City departments, agencies, offices, and offices and the work often requires collaboration with various other Divisions in the Law Department.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and various City departments, agencies, offices, officials and employees before federal bankruptcy courts
• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case
• Conduct research and analysis of legal issues
• Interpret bankruptcy laws and rulings for City departments, agencies, offices, officials and employees
• Prepare and file legal documents, such as plan objections, motions to dismiss, motions for relief from the automatic stay and responsive pleadings in bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings
• Participate in training and outreach efforts to raise the profile of the Division in the Law Department and among other City agencies, departments and offices
• Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
• Perform administrative, management and supervisory functions related to the practice of law

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to find what applicable laws and rules apply to a specific matter
• Ability to communicate information and ideas related to the practice of bankruptcy law in writing so others will understand
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and advocacy 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

• Ability to efficiently handle multiple cases and projects
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine which pleadings, motions and other filings are relevant to the City of Philadelphia, and propose appropriate responsive pleadings and strategies
• Ability to support and supervise team members

Qualifications

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have one (1) year plus of relevant experience, and 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.