Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney - Labor and Employment 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 and General Litigation Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor and Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Labor and Employment Unit of the Law Department represents the City of Philadelphia departments, agencies, boards and officials in litigation and counseling matters. Attorneys appear daily before the Civil Service Commission, AAA arbitrations, and agencies such as the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, the EEOC and the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and litigate in federal and state courts. This unit also handles claims of age, race and gender discrimination, and sexual harassment and provides counsel to all operating departments on labor and employment law matters. Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) also on a daily basis and provide training and refresher courses to Human Resource professionals and supervisors in all areas of labor and employment law. This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations.

Job Description

For this position, we are specifically seeking two attorneys to serve as advisors in the investigation and charging functions of the Policy Board of Inquiry, and to represent the Philadelphia Police Department before the Police Board of Inquiry.

The attorneys will support PPD Charging Unit in ensuring that only the proper charges are filed against an employee based upon an objective and thorough investigation. Further, any disciplinary charges that are presented to the PBI Boards are done in a fair, equitable and consistent manner. Attorneys assigned to this position may consult with the PPD’s Internal Affairs Unit as well.

The attorneys assigned to the PBI Advocate Unit are expected to be on location at Police Headquarters when PBI Hearings are scheduled. Case preparations may be conducted remotely. Those attorneys assigned to the PBI shall, based upon their professional experience, conduct the proper case review and other preparations necessary and represent the PPD before the PBI Boards.

Essential Functions

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

• Legal and comparative research -- identifying applicable statutes, case law, etc.
• Legal analysis of issues.
• Writing of legal memorandum summarizing research, legal analysis, and providing conclusions if appropriate.
• Identifying appropriate witnesses and documents to present as evidence in hearings.