Assistant City Solicitor - Tax and Revenue 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 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 Tax and Revenue 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.  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 Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Law Department’s Tax and Major Tax Litigation Unit is seeking to hire a licensed Pennsylvania attorney as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Real Estate Tax Division.  Prior litigation experience is preferred but not required, and applicants with pending bar results are welcome.  Strong writing and research skills are required. In addition, excellent organizational and time management skills are necessary. This is an excellent opportunity to obtain real estate tax and real property assessment litigation experience.

Essential Functions

The duties of an Assistant City Solicitor 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 state foreclosure cases for real estate taxes and other City claims before the Court of Common Pleas.
• Trying real property market value and exemption appeal cases before the Court of Common Pleas.
• Representing the City, including the Sheriff’s Office, in some 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 and Long Time Owner Occupant programs – before the Tax Review Board.
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Researching and analyzing legal issues.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process;
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to find what