Assistant City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit

  • Full-time

Company Description

With a workforce of over 25,000 people the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all residents have the opportunity to reach their potential.  

Agency Description

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Claims Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.

The Civil Rights Unit represents the City of Philadelphia and its employees in all lawsuits alleging that they violated an individual’s constitutional rights. The Civil Rights Unit also provides legal advice and counseling to City Departments (e.g., the Philadelphia Police Department, City Council, Department of Licenses and Inspections, etc.) regarding issues with potential civil rights implications.

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: 

  • 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.

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.

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

Successful candidate must be a City resident within six months of hire

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

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