Assistant City Solicitor - Health and Adult Services Unit

This is an entry level position within the litigation division of the Health and Adult Services Unit. The attorney will be responsible for independently handling a large caseload of lead paint code violations and mental health civil commitment hearings. The attorney will also review and respond to subpoenas, interview witnesses, meet with clients, draft pleadings and motions, and conduct legal research.

Essential Functions

• Cultivate familiarity with Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976, Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955, Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, Confidentiality of HIV-related Information Act of 1990, The Philadelphia City Code, Philadelphia Home Rule Charter as well as various applicable regulations and caselaw.
• Flag, analyze and interpret changes in case law, statutes and regulations that impact the Unit’s practice.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and responses for filing.
• Autonomously litigate fast-paced high-volume cases from inception to resolution which will include researching cases, preparing witness testimony, orchestrating client meetings, developing case theories, and crafting closing arguments.
• Develop and nurture values of diversity equity and inclusion, ensuring equitable access to services, especially considering this Unit’s interaction with the City’s most vulnerable populations.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.
• Regularly communicate with and seek advice from supervisor, mentors and unit members.
• Participate in 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 processes which govern the clients the unit represents with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each client.
• 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 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.

Requirements

• This is an entry level position but one (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred.
• 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.