Divisional Deputy City Solicitor - Affirmative and Special 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 Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit develops and asserts affirmative claims on behalf of the City in furtherance of public policy objectives and, where appropriate, to enforce the rights of Philadelphia residents. The Unit represents the City and its officials in commercial and property-related litigation, as well as cases involving challenges to City powers and ordinances, election laws, and certain state and federal constitutional and civil rights claims. The Unit provides proactive legal advice and prelitigation counseling (including alternative dispute resolution) to numerous City officials and departments. The Unit’s cases are filed in both the federal and state courts. Cases frequently involve requests for class certification or preliminary injunctive relief, and may involve high monetary exposure and/or significant ramifications for the City and its residents. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The position of Divisional Deputy City Solicitor of the Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit requires an attorney experienced in commercial and complex civil litigation matters, who is capable of managing and handling individual cases on their own, being a key team member on the Unit’s most impactful cases, and advising the Unit’s many clients. This work includes developing affirmative suits and other innovative approaches to furthering the City’s goals.   

The position of Divisional Deputy City Solicitor has supervisory responsibilities within the Unit in addition to handling litigation and non-litigation matters described above. The Divisional position requires an attorney with strong communication, interpersonal, and management skills. The Divisional will assist the Unit’s Chief Deputy in supervising and providing support to attorneys and legal assistants in the Unit, as well as developing and implementing Unit practices.  

All Unit members are expected to work collaboratively with other Unit and Law Department colleagues on all matters in a manner that reflects the Law Department’s focus on fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity. 

Essential Functions 

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

• Appearing in federal and state courts in significant cases and for settlement conferences before judges and mediator