Divisional Deputy City Solicitor - Compliance Counsel to the Police Department

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 Law Department’s Compliance, Investigations, & Privacy Group is comprised of the Right to Know Unit, HIPPA and Privacy Unit, Communications Director, and E-Discovery practice.   The Compliance Unit is a growing unit within the Law Department’s Compliance, Investigations, & Privacy Group.

Job Description

The Divisional Deputy City, Compliance Counsel to the Police Department provides direct advice to the Police Department and is the supervising attorney for the Division. The Divisional works directly with the Police Commissioner and Police’s senior executive team on providing guidance and input on a wide array of legal issues confronting and impacting the Philadelphia Police Department, including police reform, personnel management and discipline, and civil rights issues. The position will also advise the Police Commissioner and police leadership on legal risks and liabilities while working closely and collaboratively with the Law Department’s other Groups and Units, especially the Litigation Group’s Civil Rights and Labor & Employment Units.  Although the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Compliance Counsel to the Police Department advises the Police Commissioner and Police leadership, the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor will remain a direct report to and answer to the Law Department and the Law Department’s leadership in compliance with the Home Rule Charter.  

Essential Functions

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

• Supervise and manage attorneys and support staff in Division.  Must provide mentoring, training, and resources, necessary for all staff to meet the needs of the client and the Law Department.
• Manages Division goals and output, acts as a stopgap where workforce/workflow realities threaten providing timely or effective work product to the client.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to manage matters from start to finish with limited/little oversight.
• Supervises and manages work of outside counsel.  Makes informed recommendations about use of outside counsel.
• Responsible for advising the Police Commissioner/police leadership on disciplinary matters and ensuring that all Internal Affairs investigations of misconduct are thorough and complete by reviewing investigations and advising on investigative steps inclusive of fact-gathering, document gathering, and witness interviews; advising on appropriate charging prior to charging decisions/PBI hearings; and advising on other investigative development necessary to ensure accountability of police personnel.
• Accountabl