Assistant City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with 1-5 years of litigation experience as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Civil Rights Unit.  This is an entry level position that provides the successful candidate an opportunity to manage cases from start to finish.  All pleadings discovery and motions are developed by the assigned attorney who also serves as first chair at trial in the event the case does not resolve via motion or settlement.  Consequently prior civil litigation experience and/or a federal clerkship are preferred and applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication analytical and writing skills.  Because attorneys in the Civil Rights Unit reasonably expect to try between three and seven cases a year in federal or state court and/or participate in virtual court proceedings comfort with public speaking and a desire to hone oral advocacy skills are preferred.

Essential Functions

The duties of an Assistant City Solicitor in the Civil Rights Unit primarily consist of litigating federal and state court actions from the pleading stage through disposition via motion settlement trial or arbitration as well as subsequent analysis of certain cases.  These duties encompass:

• Trying federal and state court cases before a jury or judge;
• Representing the City and employees at arbitrations;
• Taking and defending depositions;
• Attending court conferences and hearings;
• Drafting pleadings motions and briefs;
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues;
• Participating in analyses of policies currently in place; and
• Developing with the team proposed policy or practice modifications for consideration by the clients as a result of lessons learned through litigation.

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 use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office.
• 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.

Additional Information :

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

Salary Range: $79512 - $90125 Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Danielle E. Walsh Chief Deputy City Solicitor Civil Rights Unit ()

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• 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.
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Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being 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 non-medical non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses doctors emergency medical personnel) must be fully vaccinated.

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