Job Description

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.  Prior litigation experience is preferred, and applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills.

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 trial or arbitration, which encompasses:

• 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; and
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• The candidate should have at least 1-5 years of litigation experience
• Law degree at an accredited law school and member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar

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
• 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.

Additional Information

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Anne Taylor, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Civil Rights Unit (anne.taylor@phila.gov).

DID YOU KNOW?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST BE A CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RESIDENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE

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

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