Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Health and Adult Services Unit

Position Summary 

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with one (1) to five (5) years of litigation experience. The attorney will play a critical role in representing City social and health-related city entities that serve the adult residents of Philadelphia. The attorney will be responsible for independently managing a large caseload of affirmative litigation in mental health civil commitment hearings as well as a smaller number of lead code violation complaints. The attorney will also defend the City in administrative appeals arising from agency decisions. Attorneys in the HAS Unit handle their cases from inception through disposition. The successful candidate will possess superior oral advocacy skills excellent legal research and writing skills and a demonstrated commitment to seeking input clarifying uncertainties and sharing knowledge with other members of the team. Additional responsibilities for this position include reviewing responding to and potentially litigating subpoenas; interviewing witnesses; meeting with clients; drafting pleadings and motions; and conducting legal research. 

Essential Functions 

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia before government agencies and judicial forums. 

• Autonomously litigate fast-paced high-volume cases from inception to resolution which will include researching cases preparing witness testimony orchestrating client meetings developing case theories and crafting closing arguments.  

• Cultivate familiarity with Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976 Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955 Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act Confidentiality of HIV-related Information Act of 1990 The Philadelphia City Code Philadelphia Home Rule Charter as well as various applicable regulations and caselaw.  

• Flag analyze and interpret changes in case law statutes and regulations that impact the Units practice.  

• Draft motions briefs pleadings and responses for filing.  

• Negotiate settlements. 

• Track cases maintain case files and perform other administrative and case management functions related to the practice of law. 

• Communicate timely and professionally with the judges colleagues and opposing parties. 

• Develop and nurture values of diversity equity and inclusion ensuring equitable access to services especially considering this Units interaction with the Citys most vulnerable populations.  

• Fostering and maintaining a collegial inclusive and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.  

• Regularly communicate with and seek advice from supervisor mentors and unit members.  

• Participate in efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.  

Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of laws legal codes court procedures precedents government regulations agency rules and processeswhich govern our units clients with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each client. 

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information determine relevant facts propose viable solutions and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.  

• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter. 

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial inclusive and professional work environment. 

• 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  

• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions. 

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking 

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences. 

• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients. 

• 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 work independently.  

• Ability to ask thoughtful questions seek input from colleagues and contribute to a team-oriented environment 

• Ability to organize and maintain a high-volume caseload. 

Qualifications :

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have at least one (1) year of relevant litigation experience. 

• Deputy City Solicitor applicants should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant litigation 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. 

Additional Information :

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

Salary Range: Assistant: $81500 to $91928;  Deputy: $94465 to $113614; Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Melanie Levin Chief Deputy City Solicitor Health and Adult Services Unit ().   

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 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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No

Employment Type :

Full-time