Description:

Job Description:
Position Summary:
This is an entry level position for attorneys interested in tort litigation. The attorney would defend the City of Philadelphia and its employees primarily in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against premises liability, motor vehicle, and property damage claims. The attorney would be responsible for managing a large caseload of arbitration cases and arbitration appeals and independently conduct discovery and investigation. The attorney will conduct depositions, engage experts, attend court conferences, draft appropriate pleadings, court memoranda, and dispositive motions.

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 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
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 and dispositive motions
Supervise legal assistants
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, and 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.
Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.
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.
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;

Qualifications:

This is an entry level position but one (1) year plus of relevant experience 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.

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: $83,945 to $94,686 – Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Joshua Feissner, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Tort Litigation Unit (Joshua.feissner@phila.gov).