Deputy City Solicitor – Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit – Office of Worker Protection

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 civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Claims Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. 

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Claims Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. 

The position is housed in the Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit of the Law Department which develops and asserts affirmative claims on behalf of the City, sometimes working with outside counsel, and particularly in furtherance of City policy objectives and to protect the interests of the City and its residents. 

This specific Deputy City Solicitor position is housed in the Office of Worker Protection (OWP) in the Philadelphia Department of Labor and will focus on enforcement of the City’s worker protection laws. The position may also be called upon to support with enforcement of Labor Standards and Workforce Diversity requirements on City contracts. 

Additionally, the Department of Labor assists the Administration in developing and implementing workforce strategy and manages relations with the labor community as a whole. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

This is not an entry-level litigation position. Affirmative litigators must exhibit poise and confidence, and this position requires specialized knowledge.  The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from Federal Labor Standards Act, Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collections Act, Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act, Wage Theft Complaints, Promoting Health Families and Workplaces,  Fair Workweek Employment Standards, Protections for Domestic Workers, Wrongful Discharge from Parking Employment, related employment law, as well as affirmative recovery litigation processes.  In addition, this position will support the Office of Worker Protection, which administers the City's various worker protection ordinances to ensure that all employees in Philadelphia receive their protections under the law. Included within the scope of these ordinances is the authority to issue subpoenas, fines, and penalties, in accordance with the law.  This position will report to the Chief Deputy