Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator, licensed in Pennsylvania, to manage and defend cases filed in both state and federal court and arising out of allegations of constitutional harm, along with supervising a team of junior attorneys and legal assistants.  The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of litigation experience, with at least three years of constitutional litigation experience.  Lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit must demonstrate excellent legal research and writing capability, and, because many of the Unit’s cases are resolved through trial, must exhibit poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills.  The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising under civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and the immunities and exceptions provided under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act.  This position involves supervising and providing mentorship and guidance to a team of attorneys handling legally and factually complex matters.  It is a demanding but rewarding position. 

Essential Functions

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before judges and juries in both state and federal court.
• Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs in litigation.
• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case
• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems
• Study federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies
• Present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others and argue on behalf of the clients
• Prepare and file legal documents, such as preliminary objections, answers and dispositive motions
• Supervise junior attorneys and legal assistants
• Collaborate with and advise junior attorneys on case stratagems, theories, and issues
• Review and approve junior attorneys’ pleadings, motions, and other court filings
• Communicate with and review the work of outside counsel
• Attend meetings as representative of the unit with other city departments and clients
• Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents
• Negotiate settlements
• Being available to assist the Chief Deputy in all matters affecting the Civil Rights Unit

Requirements

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency polices 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on 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

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• This is a senior level position, with 10+ years of legal experience practicing complex litigation in state and/or federal court, and first chair jury trial experience required.
• The ideal candidate will have prior experience supervising attorneys throughout various stages of litigation
• 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 currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

Work Location & Onsite Expectations

This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role. 

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

Additional Information 

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 8 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: https://smrtr.io/yrDdP 

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Danielle E. Walsh, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Civil Rights Unit (danielle.walsh@phila.gov).

The successful candidate must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 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: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx