Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Tort Litigation Unit

Position Summary

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Tort Litigation Unit is the head of the Unit. This is a management level position that involves defending the City of Philadelphia and its employees primarily in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against premises liability motor vehicle and property damage claims.  Responsibilities include managing and supervising a team of approximately twentytwo 22 trial attorneys ten 10 legal assistants and two 2 office managers as they represent the City in high volume litigation matters that can involve catastrophic injuries to individuals and property.

The Chief Deputy also represents the City and its officials in significant jury trials and settlement negotiations in civil tort litigation matters.  In addition to advising the Units attorneys on trial and settlement strategy and authorizes settlement of the Units cases when in the best interest of the City the Chief Deputy works with departments across the City counseling them about liability exposure and best practices to reduce the risk exposure of the City. 

The Tort Litigation Unit represents clients across City departments and agencies.   Lead by the Chief Deputy Unit members are expected to work collaboratively with other Unit and Law Department colleagues on all matters in a manner that reflects the Law Departments focus on fostering and maintaining a collegial inclusive and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.

Essential Functions

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

• Managing and supervising all attorneys and administrative personnel in the Unit.
• Appearing regularly in state court for settlement conferences before judges in cases where the Citys potential liability is substantial.
• Sitting first or second chair in statecourt jury trials as needed.
• Overseeing the Units Settlement Committee meetings where case strategy and settlement authority for major and minor cases are discussed.
• Ensuring that the Unit is providing proactive legal counseling to City departments and agencies.
• Exploring risk mitigation strategies through use of data case studies and afteraction reviews.
• Exploring ways to improve efficiency and processes through the use of technology.
• Arranging mock juries to test liability in cases that are set for trial.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial inclusive and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.
• Developing and updating a rigorous training program for new attorneys.
• Working closely with clients to assure compliance with applicable law.

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 highlevel officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong analytical and problemsolving 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 nonlegal staff on applicable legal requirements.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in highpressure 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 a minimum of 9 plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities the unit requires.
• Management experience is strongly preferred particularly with overseeing large teams with a significant number of deliverables in short periods of time.
• 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.

Additional Information :

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

Salary Range: $141648 to $167291 Commensurate with education and experience

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs 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 wellbeing 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 nonmedical nonemergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that  are patientfacing 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 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 ator send an email to

For more information go to: Human Relations Website: Work :

No