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 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 Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Tort Litigation Unit of the Law Department defends the property damage and personal injury claims brought against the City and its employees. The Tort Litigation attorney supporting the Risk Management function of the Finance Department must be board certified or board eligible in Workers’ Compensation.   

The attorney oversees claims handling of City Employee Disability injuries which are covered under Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act, Civil Service Regulation 32, Pennsylvania Heart and Lung Act and Pension Code.  Other responsibilities include determining compensability of claims, as needed, and responding to questions about compensability of claims, how benefits should be paid, and whether the City should provide light duty, all in conformity with current case law, statutes and regulations.  The Risk Management support attorney also determines employee/family eligibility for service-incurred death benefits, in conjunction with TPA, Risk Manager, and in conformity with contractual language.  Additional job responsibilities are itemized in the Essential Functions.  The Risk Management attorney role is complex and varied.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Aids claims handlers and attorneys in managing claims at the least total cost to the City
• Coordinates Significant Event Response with OHR, Departments, DBHIDS and TPA in an effort to mitigate losses and prevent injuries
• Verifies and monitors performance measures to determine efficacy of program
• Develops program protocols and strategies, and communicate same to stakeholders
• Assists Departments with addressing legal matters and redirects legal inquiries to the appropriate Departments
• Reviews reserves in excess of 25K to ensure proper reserve setting and assist TPA with setting reserves on complex matters
• Reviews OnePhilly to confirm appropriate payments to injured workers and credits owed to the City and advise TPA and attorneys of same
• Answers Departmental and Employee inquiries regarding interpretation and enforcement of Regulation 32, Heart and Lung Act and Workers’ Compensation Act.
• Oversees P&P process to ensure compliance with protocols
• Liaises with TPA to ensure proper staffing of medical panels
• Liaises with TPA regarding Medical Panel Contracts to ensure adherence to City Guidelines
• Interfaces with Medical Panel to resolve Program issues
• Develops and implements policies related to new Acts, Regulations, and Laws related to service-incurred injuries
• Coordinates Employee Disability matters with Law Department and act as primary liaison with Law Department
• Approves indemnity payments in excess of 10K and 100K for medical expenses
• Coordinates unified defense strategy for legal team
• Oversees outside legal counsel, including regular meetings
• Reviews cases to determine settlement value and provide settlement authority up to $250,000.
• Provides direction on subrogation cases, including court appearance to extend authority
• Serves as partial City arbitrator on Heart and Lung Panel
• Resolves disputed litigated matters with Heart and Lung Arbitrators in an effort to cut litigation costs
• Assists in case preparation and provide testimony in court matters and labor arbitrations
• Works with Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations and Law Department on labor negotiations and Act 111 interest arbitrations
• Works with Mayor’s Office and lobbyist when changes in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act are proposed
• Attends monthly pre-pension board meetings to discuss service-connected disabilities.
• Attends, as requested by the City Solicitor, Monthly Pension Board Meetings
• Presents Employee Disability Updates at Safety Officer Meetings and participate in Employee Disability training program for Safety Officers
• Conducts meetings with Unions to resolve Program, Litigation or Medical issues
• Liaises with departmental safety officers and network providers to solve employee disability issues.
• Assists OHR with processing Regulation 34 candidates and addressing legal questions related to Regulation 34.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and 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.
• 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.
• 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;

• Deputy City Solicitor:  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 of your unit required.
• Senior Attorney:  This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) 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. 
• Candidates must also be board certified or board eligible in Workers’ Compensation.

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

Salary Range:

Deputy City Solicitor - $86,554 to $104,099;

Senior Attorney - $111,116 to $134,510; Commensurate with education and experience

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• 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 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

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

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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