Senior Legal Assistant - Tax and Revenue 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 is comprised of over 220 lawyers and 100 support staff.  The Law Department provides legal representation for the City in matters involving federal, state, and local agency litigation, commercial and real estate transactions, tax, regulatory issues, social services, and legislation. 

The Law Department’s Tax Unit represents the City, as plaintiff, seeking to collect taxes and certain other amounts owed to the City, and represents the City as defendant in cases where taxpayers dispute their liabilities.   The Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting all taxes due to the City and to the School District of Philadelphia, and for collecting water and sewer charges and certain other debts to the City.  From time to time, the Law Department seeks professional services providers to assist it in its work, including third-party collection services.  The Department of Revenue is selected to administer these contracts, in conjunction with the Law Department’s Tax Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors.

Job Description

The Law Department’s Tax Unit seeks to hire a Senior Legal Assistant to work with Tax Unit’s sequestration and use and occupancy non filer programs.

As the Senior Legal Assistant masters the primary position responsibilities for the sequestration program, the supervisor will assign other duties and projects to the senior legal assistant as may be feasible. 

Essential Functions

• Serve as liaison between high level officials/department heads, taxpayers and water customers, and others to facilitate disputes and resolutions in the City’s interest. 
• Collaborate with revenue department regarding customer needs, data sharing, increased revenue, reduced costs, and improved communications.
• Court communications to ensure efficient performance of sequestration program.
• Inventory maintenance both building and reviewing for appropriateness with respect to court and client.
• Collaborate with Tax Unit and sequestration staff to ensure efficient handling of cases.
• Monitor and compare sequestration performance.
• Develop statistical reporting and communicate findings to allow stakeholders to better monitor and strategize collection efforts.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced setting
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse team members
• Experience with Word and Excel
• Ability to learn promptly to use custom City applications (Prism and CaseII) required

Qualifications

Preferred candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent and have three or more years’ experience in a legal setting, preferably in a law firm or an in-house legal department. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: Up to $71,349 - Commensurate with education and experience

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