Deputy City Solicitor - Appeals 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.

Attorneys in the Appeals Unit of the Law Department represent the City in most appellate matters before state and federal courts. The Unit handles appeals that arise out of all of the Department’s trial units. Attorneys handle cases concerning, e.g., civil rights, employment, tort, tax, commercial and administrative law matters. The Unit also advises clients and trial units on various constitutional and administrative law issues.

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Appeals Unit of the City of the City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks to hire an experienced attorney to handle complex and sophisticated appeals in federal and state court, with opportunities for other appeals and special projects. Appeals arise from all of the Department’s trial units, and include, e.g., civil rights, employment, tort, tax, commercial and administrative law matters. Outstanding academic credentials and outstanding research, writing and analytic skills required. The position also entails handling writing and research assignments for other appeals and providing advice to clients and trial attorneys on legal issues.

Essential Functions:

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

• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others
• Study federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies
• Prepare and file legal briefs and motions before appellate courts and assist other attorneys with various types of briefs and motions.
• Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents
• Negotiate settlements
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn;
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions;
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter;
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situation