Senior Attorney – Tax Litigation and Collections Unit - Real Estate Tax Division

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

The City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government. 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 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the 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 tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness.   

The Tax Litigation and Collections Unit represents the City, as plaintiff, seeking to collect taxes and certain other amounts owed to the City, and represents the City as defendant in cases where taxpayers dispute their liabilities.   The Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting all taxes due to the City and to the School District of Philadelphia, and for collecting water and sewer charges and certain other debts to the City.  From time to time, the Law Department seeks professional services providers to assist it in its work, including third-party collection services.  The Department of Revenue is selected to administer these contracts, in conjunction with the Law Department’s Tax Litigation and Collections Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors. 

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 judgement, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The duties of a Senior Attorney in the Tax and Revenue Unit’s Real Estate Tax Division primarily consist of litigating agency and state court actions from the pleading stage through trial, which encompasses: 

• Trying foreclosure cases for real estate taxes and other City municipal claims before the Court of Common Pleas. 

• Trying real property market value and exemption appeal cases before the Court of Common Pleas. 

• Handling some further appeals to Commonwealth Court from the above matters in collaboration with the Appeals Unit. 

• Representing the City, including the Sheriff’s Office, in various matters as defense counsel, including quiet title and conservatorship matters. 

• Handling appeals for real estate tax interest and penalties and disputes involving City real estate tax programs – including its Owner Occupant Payment Agreement (“OOPA”), Longtime Owner Occupant (“LOOP”), Senior Tax Freeze, and Homestead Exemption appeals – before the Tax Review Board and when further appealed to Common Pleas. 

• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs. 

• Researching and analyzing legal