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 Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.

The Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit of the Law Department represents the Philadelphia County Board of Elections and the City Commissioners in administering elections in Philadelphia as well as in all election law related litigations.  The Unit also represents the City and its officials in all commercial and property-related litigation, as well as cases involving challenges to City powers and ordinances, Title II of the ADA, pensions issues, and certain state and federal constitutional claims.  The Unit also develops and asserts affirmative claims on behalf of the City, sometimes working with outside counsel, and particularly in furtherance of public policy objectives.  The Unit additionally provides proactive legal advice and prelitigation counseling (including alternative dispute resolution) to numerous City clients, including Health, Streets, the City Commissioners, Public Property, and Parks and Recreation.  The Unit’s cases are filed in both the federal and state courts, including the Commerce Court division of the Court of Common Pleas.  Cases frequently involve requests for class certification or preliminary injunctive relief, and may involve high monetary exposure and/or significant ramifications for the City and its residents.

The position of Deputy City Solicitor, Election Law, in the Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit requires an attorney experienced in commercial and complex litigation matters capable of managing and handling individual cases on their own, being a key team member on the Unit’s most significant cases, and advising the Philadelphia County Board of Elections and the City Commissioners regarding election operations, litigation and settlement issues, and strategies.  This position will serve in a primary role in the Law Department’s and Unit’s oversight of the City’s elections including interfacing with many City departments regarding Election Day related services and activities and addressing election responsibilities and planning throughout the full year.

 In addition, the Deputy City Solicitor is expected to execute on opportunities identified by Unit and Law Department leadership to advance the City’s interests and improve and expand the work of the Law Department and the Unit.  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:

• Appearing in federal and state courts in significant cases and for settlement conferences before judges and mediators in cases where the City’s potential liability is substantial.
• Providing proactive legal counseling to the Board of Elections.
• Researching and drafting all manner of legal issues, filings and litigation documents for Unit cases and projects relating to the City’s administration of elections. 
• Participating in case and settlement strategy in major and minor cases.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.
• Managing non-litigation driven projects.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, in particular the Pennsylvania Election Code and other federal and state laws that impact election processes;
• 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.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills.
• Ability to support and supervise a team of attorneys and professional staff.
• Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients;

Work-Life

The Law Department supports a robust work-life balance.  Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday.  Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days.  The in-office requirement is 15 hours per week – essentially two days – or as otherwise needed, based on business needs, such as in-person hearings or client meetings.  Staff can opt to come into the office each day if desired.

• This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately four (4) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.

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

Salary Range: Up to $96,254 – Commensurate with education and experience

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