Assistant City Solicitor - Child Welfare Unit

Assistant City Solicitor - Child Welfare UnitThe ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. Assistants in the CWU will have the opportunity to handle a substantial case load within a short period of their arrival in the CWU and will be charged with court room duties after a one-month training interval. This position is ideal for candidates looking to improve and develop their court room skills while at the same time assisting the City in protecting some of its most vulnerable citizens.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.Litigating Dependency Cases in Family Court in Bench TrialsLitigating Permanency Hearings for Children adjudicated dependent in Family CourtLitigating Termination of Parental Rights/Adoption Cases in Family CourtRepresenting DHS at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in Expungement mattersPreparing DHS files for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting these filesLitigating motions to quash subpoenas for DHS recordsDrafting pleadings, motions, and briefsResearching and analyzing complex legal issuesCompetencies, Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, 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.Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference.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.Ability to organize and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload.Ability to work independently.QualificationsThis 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 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.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.This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making real-time decisions, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.Additional InformationInterested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. Salary Range: $83,945 to $94,686 – Commensurate with education and experience.Any questions related to this position should be directed to Karen Fortune, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Child Welfare Unit.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.Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.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.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.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 hireEffective 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io more information, go to: Human Relations Website: