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 Law Department's Child Welfare Unit (CWU) represents the City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) in all aspects of its work in investigating reports of child abuse and child neglect and providing services to children and families in need. The CWU is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging unit in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage their case files from start to finish. 

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced and licensed PA attorney to assist with training and mentoring attorneys who represent the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS). Specifically, the Senior Attorney of Training and Administrative Support is responsible for working with the CWU management team to assist with the new hire training program and ongoing professional development. This includes staying up to date on changes in dependency and delinquency law and policy, presenting and preparing training materials, providing 1 on 1 support for attorneys.  After new hires complete their first month of formal new hire training and court observation, the Senior Attorney will supervise their preparation for Court and accompany them to Court for at least 30 days to integrate them into the actual representation of DHS. The Senior Attorney will also lead unit training on after-hours on-call duty, Orders of Protective Custody (OPCs), and shelter care hearings (to include creating schedules to ensure appropriate coverage of shelter care hearings. The Senior Attorney may also be required to handle cases in dependency court as needed.

In additional to assisting with training, the Senior Attorney for Training and Administrative Support will also assist the Chief Deputy City Solicitor for Administration and Specialty Practice in responding to and assigning requests for DHS files for review by parents, counsel, judges, and other parties requesting these files. They will also assist the CWU management team by consulting with DHS staff and social workers regarding difficult cases and decisions regarding what legal remedies may be available to the client.

Prior litigation experience is required. The ideal candidate should have outstanding communication, interpersonal, analytical, and legal research skills. Subject matter expertise in dependency law and policy are preferred.

Essential Functions

The duties of an Assistant City Solicitor in the CWU primarily consist of representing DHS in dependency matters in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia – Family Division.  These duties include but are not limited to:

• To provide training and support, must be well versed in the duties of an Assistant City Solicitor in the CWU, which primarily consist of representing DHS in dependency matters in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia – Family Division.  These duties include but are not limited to:
  • Litigating Dependency Cases in Family Court in Bench Trials;
  • Litigating Permanency Hearings for Children adjudicated dependent in Family Court;
  • Litigating Termination of Parental Rights/Adoption Cases in Family Court;
  • Representing DHS at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in Expungement matters;
  • Preparing DHS files for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting these files;
  • Litigating motions to quash subpoenas for DHS records;
  • Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; and
  • Researching and analyzing complex legal issues.
• Providing mentoring, training, and resources for attorneys to meet the needs of the clients and Department.
• Acting as a stopgap where workforce or workflow responsibilities threaten providing the client with timely or effective representation.
• Advising Chief Deputies on matters that impact the law or might serve to improve efficiency.
• Consulting DHS staff and social workers on a daily basis regarding difficult cases and decisions regarding what legal remedies may be available to the client.
• Communicating with all Child Welfare 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 clients that the unit represents.
• 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 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 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.   

• This is a senior level position, with nine (9) plus years of legal experience in child welfare law, Dependency Court, Delinquency Court, a strong understanding of DHS policy and structural organization.
• 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, writing sample and resume.

Salary Range: $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