Senior Attorney - Code & Public Nuisance 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 Code Enforcement Unit brings cases on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in a broad spectrum of enforcement matters against property owners and food handlers whose actions jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Code Enforcement Unit attorneys ensure that individuals and businesses meet all licensing, permit, and other regulatory requirements under the Philadelphia Code.  The Code Enforcement Unit also provides legal advice and counseling to City Departments (e.g., the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Public Health, City Planning Commission, and Historic Commission, etc.). 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit is seeking a PA licensed attorney to fill an open position as a Senior Attorney. 

The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator to handle and manage cases arising out of Philadelphia Code violations. The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit brings affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, statutory appeals before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review, Tax Review Board, and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment, along with any appeals to the Court of Common Pleas from those administrative agency decisions, litigates emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code in the Court of Common Pleas and before the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.    

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from the following: Title 4, Title 9, Title 10, and Title 19 of the Philadelphia Code, Local Agency Appeals, and constitutional issues arising under the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions.  Additionally, they will have state court litigation experience and be familiar with the PA Rules of Civil Procedure.  Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) / daily and provide training and refresher courses to City enforcement agencies.  This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which can involve complex (and at times high profile and politically sensitive) settlement negotiations.  It is a demanding but rewarding position. 

Essential Functions 

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities of a Senior Attorney include but are not limited to: 

• Legal and c