Job Description

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 Code Enforcement Unit. The attorney would bring affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia primarily in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Philadelphia Municipal Courts for violations arising from the Philadelphia Code. The attorney will also be responsible for defending the City of Philadelphia in statutory appeals before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review and Tax Review Board. The attorney will also defend the City in emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code. This position requires the attorney to manage a large caseload. The attorney will conduct depositions, engage experts, attend court conferences, draft appropriate pleadings, court memoranda, and dispositive motions, and prepare and present cases before the Philadelphia Court system.

Essential Functions

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

• 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 code enforcement 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

• 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, 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.

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

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

• 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 organize and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload.

• Ability to work independently.

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 hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $79,512 to $90,125 – 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 SEPTA’s 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!

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters:

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Joanna Klein, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Litigation Division, Code Enforcement Unit (joanna.klein@phila.gov).

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.

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, source of income, 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 at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx