A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

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 and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.

The Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit brings cases on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in a broad spectrum of enforcement matters against property owners, nuisance businesses, and food handlers whose actions jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit attorneys ensure that individuals and businesses meet all licensing, permit, and other regulatory requirements under the Philadelphia Code.  The 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.).  The Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit also has a robust statutory appeals process representing City Departments before administrative hearing boards and appeals from those decisions to the Court of Common Pleas.

The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit is seeking a PA licensed attorney to fill an open position as either a Senior Attorney (minimum 10 years of legal experience) or a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor (minimum 8 years legal experience).

The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator to handle and manage cases arising out of Philadelphia Code violations. The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit brings affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, statutory appeals 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, litigates emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code in the Court of Common Pleas and before the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.   

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from the following: Title 4, Title 9, Title 10, and Title 19 of the Philadelphia Code, Local Agency Appeals, and constitutional issues arising under the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions.  Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) / daily and provide training and refresher courses to City enforcement agencies.  This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which can involve complex (and at times high profile and politically sensitive) settlement negotiations.  It is a demanding but rewarding position.

Essential Functions

• In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities of a Senior Attorney include but are not limited to:
• Legal and comparative research -- identifying applicable statutes, case law, etc.
• Legal analysis of issues.
• Writing of legal memorandum summarizing research, legal analysis, and providing conclusions if appropriate. Also, the review and editing of others written work product.
• Review of cases referred to determine if appropriate for filing.
• Drafting and filing of pleadings, motions and other court filings.
• Identifying appropriate witnesses and documents to present as evidence in trials.
• Witness preparation for hearings before the Board of Licenses and Inspections Review, Tax Review Board, Municipal Court, and Court of Common Pleas (include arbitrations).
• Conduct/respond to discovery.
• Negotiation and settlement of cases with pro se defendants and opposing counsel.
• Drafting of settlement agreements.
• Communicating with defendants, opposing counsel, and clients regarding cases and Philadelphia Code provisions.
• Advise clients on individual cases based on factual circumstances and the law. As well as provide advice and counsel to the client on larger issues independent of specific cases in consultation with the Divisional(s) and Chief.
• Work on special projects as assigned which may include leading special project committees which requires some supervision/management of assignments.
• Tracking and management of case schedule and deadlines, including but not limited to entry of notes following hearings in case management system.
• Respond phone calls and emails from colleagues, clients, defendants and opposing counsel.
• Other administrative tasks as necessary.
• Attend meetings.
• Presentations at Unit Meetings and/or CLEs.
• Conducting interviews as part of a hiring panel/committee.
• Mentor/guide Assistant and Deputy City Solicitors.

The position of a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor is considered management track involving the supervision and training of attorneys and staff in the Unit. These duties include but are not limited to:

• All the responsibilities of a Senior Attorney as necessary.
• Appearing in court and preparing for trial when warranted.
• Managing and supervising the work of multiple attorneys and legal assistants, providing training and support where needed;
• Ensuring that all civil actions are assigned to trial attorneys with advice on motions, investigation, discovery and case theories.
• Reviewing memorandum and filings of attorneys’ briefs, motions, etc. and provide meaningful feedback;
• Conducting frequent case reviews with attorneys to ensure that appropriate pleadings, motions, etc.  are timely filed and that investigation and discovery are timely and appropriately conducted.
• Conducting legal research and drafting of memoranda on legal, policy or other issues.
• Negotiating settlements, advise other attorneys in their negotiations, and approving settlements;
• Working closely with clients to review and revise policy, procedures, and documents;
• Leading special projects or specialized litigation and/or supervise other attorneys handling such responsibilities;
• Attending meetings as representative of the unit with other city departments and clients;
• Working with court administrations regarding processing of cases or other issues that might arise;
• Establishing/setting up training for new hires;
• Training new attorneys in the Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit on substantive and procedural law and trial advocacy.
• Compiling statistics for quarterly reports;
• Conducting performance evaluations/reviews for attorneys and staff;
• Interviewing and making hiring recommendations hiring decisions/recommendations with or to the Chief;
• Being available to assist the Chief Deputy in all matters affecting the Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit;
• Performing administrative functions related to the practice of law and the functions of the unit.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Philadelphia Code (including but not limited to the sections referenced above), U.S. and Commonwealth constitutional law, Local Agency Law, administrative law, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing
• Strong organizational skills and self-direction and ability to prioritize, plan work, and manage projects independently.
• Ability to prioritize and manage substantial workload;
• Ability to negotiate effectively;
• Strong work values; and
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Additionally for the Divisional Deputy position:

• Must be able instruct attorneys on legal, procedural and practical aspects of civil litigation;
• Ability to manage the work of multiple professionals and legal support staff; and
• Ability to modify management/leadership style to meet the needs of the attorneys being supervised to a reasonable extent.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in the enforcement of the Philadelphia Code.  The candidate should have a working knowledge of City of Philadelphia government to spot issues, render advice and resolve matters as appropriate.   Must have at least 5 years litigation experience or other specialized experience that brings unique skills/benefit to the practice area of the Unit. Time with the Law Department and/or Unit may be weighed against general litigation experience else-where depending on the needs of the unit at the time.

Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, references, writing sample and resume.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Joanna Klein, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit ([email protected]).

Salary Range: $102,743 - $124,373

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (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

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

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 [email protected].

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