Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor - Health and Adult Services Unit

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 a 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 Health and Adult Services Unit (HAS) represents the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), the Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), and the Office of Homeless Services (“OHS”), among others. The HAS is a collegial, fast-paced, high-volume litigation unit in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage their case files from start to finish. Through our unit's litigation efforts, we ensure the health and safety of individuals in mental health crisis, people receiving services for intellectual disability, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as protection from the spread of communicable diseases including protecting children from irreversible lead poisoning. We also provide legal guidance to the Medical Examiner's Office. 

Professional Responsibility & Public Service  

We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.

Job Description

The attorney will play a critical role in representing City social and health-related city entities that serve the adult residents of Philadelphia. The attorney will be responsible for independently managing a large caseload of affirmative litigation in mental health civil commitment hearings, as well as a smaller number of lead code violation complaints. The attorney will also defend the City in administrative appeals arising from agency decisions. Attorneys in the HAS Unit handle their cases from inception through disposition. The successful candidate will possess superior oral advocacy skills, excellent legal research and writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to seeking input, clarifying uncertainties, and sharing knowledge with other members of the team. Additional responsibilities for this position include reviewing, responding to, and potentially litigating subpoenas; interviewing witnesses; meeting with clients; drafting pleadings and motions; and conducting legal research.

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 before government agencies and ,judicial forums. 

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.

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.

Negotiate settlements. 

Track cases, maintain case files and perform other administrative and case management functions related to the practice of law. 

Communicate timely and professionally with the judges, colleagues, and opposing parties. 

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 our unit’s clients 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 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

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.    

Ability to work independently.

Ability to ask thoughtful questions, seek input from colleagues, and contribute to a team-oriented environment 

Ability to organize and maintain a high-volume caseload. 

Qualifications

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have at least one (1) year of relevant litigation experience. 

• Deputy City Solicitor applicants should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant litigation experience. Legal experience should ideally 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 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. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY:   Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range -  

Assistant: $83,945 to $94,686;  

Deputy: $97,299 to $117,022;

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 8 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!

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 real-time decisions, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment. 

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 View phone number on us.fitly.work or send an email to View email address on us.fitly.work.

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