Description:

Job Description:
Position Summary:
A Government Entity seeks an experienced litigator, licensed in Pennsylvania, to manage and defend cases filed in both state and federal court and arising out of allegations of constitutional harm. The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of civil litigation experience, with at least three years of experience defending civil rights cases from initiation through trial. Lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit must demonstrate excellent legal research and writing capability, and, because many of the Unit's cases are resolved through trial, must exhibit poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills. The candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising under civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and the immunities and exceptions provided under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act. This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations. It is a demanding but rewarding position.

Essential Functions:
The duties of the Divisional Deputy consist of mentoring attorneys in the Civil Rights Unit, offering advice to client- agencies and managing a caseload. In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before judges and juries in both state and federal court.
Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs in 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 junior attorneys and legal assistants
Collaborating with and advising junior attorneys on case stratagems, theories, and issues
Reviewing and approving junior attorneys' pleadings, motions, and other court filings
Communicating with and reviewing the work of outside counsel
Attend meetings as representative of the unit with other city departments and clients
Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents
Negotiate settlements
Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law
Being available to assist the Chief Deputy in all matters affecting the Civil Rights Unit

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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.
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 a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.