Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor - Affirmative and Special Litigation Unit

The Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit of the City of the City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks to hire an attorney who is capable of handling all phases of litigation, being a key team member on the Unit’s most impactful cases, and advising the Unit’s many clients. Outstanding research, writing, and analytic skills required. The position will involve representing the City in complex civil and commercial litigation, including at court hearings, trial, and oral argument. The position will also involve developing affirmative suits and other innovative approaches to furthering the City’s goals.

Essential Functions

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

• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others.
• Study federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and government agencies.
• Take and defend depositions; use e-discovery software to review and produce documents in discovery.
• Prepare and file pleadings, legal briefs, and motions.
• Present argument and evidence at court hearings, mediations, trial, and oral argument.
• Negotiate settlements.
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn.
• 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.
• 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 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.

Requirements

• Assistant City Solicitor candidates must have one (1) plus years of relevant experience within a legal setting.
• Deputy City Solicitor candidates should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant legal experience. Legal experience should include some or most of those described under Essential Functions.
• 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.