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 City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. 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 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to 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 real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Health and Adult Services Unit manages a dynamic team of trial attorneys, legal assistants and administrative support staff, that provide legal representation for the Department of Public Health, the Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), and the Office of Homeless Services. 

Essential Functions

• Managing the unit and supervising direct reports
• Advising City officials including Commissioners and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and Philadelphia law
• Establishing a standard of excellence and accessibility in the provision of legal services
• Meeting regularly with Commissioners and other City management staff to ensure that legal services are meeting client needs.
• Communicating with all Unit staff on a regular basis and maintaining an open door for staff concerns
• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and process which govern the divisions the unit represents with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each division.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.    
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.   
• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of managers, attorneys and support staff.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand.
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex policy and first impression matters.
• Ability to train and mentor staff.
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.  
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.   
• 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.   

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 a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of legal experience and familiarity with Public Health, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Disease Control and Prevention, Drug and Alcohol, and Homeless Services law and regulations as well as previous supervisory experience. 
• 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 $160,241 - Commensurate with education and experience

Did you know?

• 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 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.

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters:

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Nicolette Burgess-Bolden, Chair, Social Services Group ([email protected]). 

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

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: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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