Job Description

The position of Legal Assistant, Consumer Protection is a new position in the Law Department’s Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit. The person selected for this position will assist the Unit’s Consumer Protection investigator with reviewing and investigating potential violations of the City’s recently passed Consumer Protection Ordinance, Bill No. 24011800. The person selected for this position will also assist the Unit’s attorneys with all aspects of lawsuits brought by the City against violators of the Consumer Protection Ordinance in state and federal court. This position presents an exciting and unique opportunity to use a new legal tool that allows the City to protect its residents from scams and fraud through civil enforcement actions. Familiarity or experience with consumer protection and similar laws is preferred but not required.

The Legal Assistant, Consumer Protection position requires a legal assistant with strong communication, organization, and project management skills.

All Unit members are expected to work collaboratively with other Unit and Law Department colleagues on all matters in a manner that reflects the Law Department’s 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 may include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting factual research related to potential violations of the City’s Consumer Protection Ordinance.
• Preparing certain court filings and exhibits for depositions, hearings, and trial.
• Tracking and organizing investigation and case files.
• Assisting in all aspects of the discovery process in civil litigation.
• Assisting attorneys with Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities and other tasks related to briefs and motions.
• Participating in meetings with clients, stakeholders, and opposing counsel.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so others will understand.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to effectively manage multiple deadlines and tasks.
• Strong research skills, including ability to identify reliable news sources and effectively summarize and organize information.

Qualifications

This is an entry level position. Candidates must have an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $43,076 to $59,076 – 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 6 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.

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