Deputy City Solicitor - Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit

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Agency Description: The City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers. The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia. We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have a tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City's workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. The Code Enforcement Unit brings cases on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in a broad spectrum of enforcement matters against property owners and food handlers whose actions jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Code Enforcement Unit attorneys ensure that individuals and businesses meet all licensing, permit, and other regulatory requirements under the Philadelphia Code. The Code Enforcement Unit also provides legal advice and counseling to City Departments (e.g., the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Public Health, City Planning Commission, and Historic Commission, etc.). Professional Responsibility & Public Service We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgement, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.

Position Summary: The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with five or more years of litigation experience as a Deputy City Solicitor in the Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit. The attorney would bring affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia primarily in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas for violations arising from the Philadelphia Code. The attorney will also be responsible for representing the City of Philadelphia before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review, Tax Review Board, and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment, along with any appeals to the Court of Common Pleas from those administrative agency decisions. The attorney will also defend the City or bring on behalf of the City emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code in the Court of Common Pleas or before the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This position requires the attorney to manage a large caseload. The attorney will need to engage in all aspects of litigation to prepare and present cases before the Philadelphia Court system.

Essential Functions: The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. 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, dispositive motions, and appellate briefs in statutory appeals. 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 intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately five (5) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities required. 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. Work Location & Onsite Expectations This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role. Who Thrives in This Role This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment. Additional InformationTO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Salary Range: $97,299 to $117,022- Commensurate with education and experience

Type: Full-time

Function: Other

Experience level: Mid-Senior Level

Industry: Government Administration