Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Health and Adult Services 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 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.

Job Description

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Health and Adult Services Unit manages a dynamic team of trial attorneys, legal assistants and administrative support staff, that provide legal representation for the Department of Public Health, the Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), and the Office of Homeless Services. 

Essential Functions

• Managing the unit and supervising direct reports
• Advising City officials including Commissioners and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and Philadelphia law
• Establishing a standard of excellence and accessibility in the provision of legal services
• Meeting regularly with Commissioners and other City management staff to ensure that legal services are meeting client needs.
• Communicating with all Unit staff on a regular basis and maintaining an open door for staff concerns
• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity
• Participating in external 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 process which govern the divisions the unit represents with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each division.
• 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 supervise and inspire a team of managers, attorneys and support staff.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand.
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex policy and first impression matters.
• Ability to train and mentor staff.
• 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 co