Description:

Position Summary:
The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with three or more years of litigation experience. The attorney will play a crucial role in providing legal counsel across a wide range of complex and evolving municipal matters. Given the breadth of subject areas, this position requires a collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous learning. The attorney would bring affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia primarily in the Philadelphia Municipal Court and/or Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The attorney will also defend the City in emergency injunctive actions for violations arising from the Philadelphia Code in appeals before administrative boards, along with any statutory appeals from those administrative agency decisions. This position requires the attorney to manage a large caseload. Lawyers in the Code Unit handle their cases from inception through disposition. The successful candidate will be comfortable asking questions, sharing knowledge, and working closely with colleagues to problem-solve and build shared understanding. As well as having superior oral advocacy skills, excellent legal research and writing capability. Due to the expansive and evolving scope of the work, the ability to actively seek input, clarify uncertainties, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning is essential.

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

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.
Maintain clear, professional, and responsive communication with clients.
Be able to translate legal concepts into practical terms, actively listen to client concerns, and provide timely updates.
Communicate timely and professionally with the judges, colleagues, and opposing parties.
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.
Track cases and maintain case files, including the Unit's case management system, for a high volume of cases.
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.
Ability to provide advice on applicable regulations, compliance, litigation strategy, or other routine legal matters with minimal oversight.
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.
Ability to ask thoughtful questions, seek input from colleagues, and contribute to a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications:

Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have one (1) year plus of relevant experience, and within a legal setting is preferred.
Deputy City Solicitor applicants should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience. Legal experience should ideally include some or most of those described under Essential Functions.
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.