Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit

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 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 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 Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Code Enforcement Unit brings cases on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in a broad spectrum of enforcement matters against property owners and food handlers whose actions jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Code Enforcement Unit attorneys ensure that individuals and businesses meet all licensing, permit, and other regulatory requirements under the Philadelphia Code.  The Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit also provides legal advice and counseling to City Departments (e.g., the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Public Health, City Planning Commission, and Historic Commission, etc.).

Job Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with three or more years of litigation experience.  The attorney will play a crucial role in providing legal counsel across a wide range of complex and evolving municipal matters. Given the breadth of subject areas, this position requires a collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous learning. The attorney would bring affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia primarily in the Philadelphia Municipal Court and/or Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The attorney will also defend the City in emergency injunctive actions for violations arising from the Philadelphia Code in appeals before administrative boards, along with any statutory appeals from those administrative agency decisions. This position requires the attorney to manage a large caseload.  Lawyers in the Code Unit handle their cases from inception through disposition. The successful candidate will be comfortable asking questions, sharing knowledge, and working closely with colleagues to problem-solve and build shared understanding. As well as having superior oral advocacy skills, excellent legal research and writing capability. Due to the expansive and evolving scope of the work, the ability to actively seek input, clarify uncertainties, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning is essential.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees before government agencies and in legal matters.
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in code enforcement litigation