Staff Attorney

Company Description

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

In June 2021, Mayor Kenney signed legislation to authorize the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) to become a new, independent agency responsible for conducting oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). This legislation allowed for the previous oversight agency for the Philadelphia Police Department, the Police Advisory Commission (PAC), to transition into CPOC following the seating of the Board of Commissioners, in May 2022.

Civilian oversight of police can take many forms. Review-focused models allow civilians outside of a police department to review police misconduct investigations once they are completed. Investigation-focused agencies employ professionally trained investigators to investigate police misconduct complaints. Auditor/monitor-focused agencies engage in policy and trend analysis and promote broad organizational change within the police departments they oversee. CPOC was created to be a hybrid of these three models of oversight, with expansive authority and a broad mission.

Although civilian oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department has existed in some form for many years, CPOC brings an unprecedented level of oversight to police operations. The authorizing legislation for CPOC comprehensively lists the oversight functions that CPOC will fulfill. The legislation notes that CPOC may conduct investigations, data analysis, and audits related to any pattern, policy, or practice of the police department. These investigations shall include, but are not limited to, misconduct, policy, training, practice, and customs. Additional functions include investigations of complaints made by residents or PPD personnel about any misconduct ranging from verbal abuse to sexual misconduct, critical incident reviews and investigations, large-scale data reviews, disciplinary recommendations, hosting public meetings and hearings to share information with the public, participation as adjudicators in PPD discipline hearings, administrative prosecution of discipline cases, reporting on data and statistics, and reviewing and investigating all police uses of force, among other functions.

CPOC approaches police accountability from many different angles, and as such, CPOC has a variety of divisions to focus on different aspects of police oversight. Each division requires specialized staff with a deep understanding of policing and community-police relations. CPOC is composed of staff dedicated to professional, unbiased, and thoughtful oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department.

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week.  Our team is currently hybrid with a predetermined schedule of both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired. New employees will have a 90-day in-person probationary period upon hiring.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Staff Attorney will report to CPOC’s General Counsel and will assist with all legal work of the agency, including policy development, compliance, advocacy, and litigation, as appropriate. Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Staff Attorney may assist in all agency functions, including complaint intake and processing, policy and legal research, administrative discipline charging and hearing processes, outreach events, investigations, monitoring and auditing.

The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and/or work experience and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills.

At time of hire, applicants must be active members of the Pennsylvania bar, in good st