Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney - Affirmative and Special Litigation Unit - Consumer 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 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

The position of Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney, Consumer Protection requires an attorney experienced in litigation and investigations. The person selected for this position will be responsible for overseeing investigations of potential violations of the City’s recently passed Consumer Protection Ordinance, Bill No. 24011800. The person selected for this position will also be the lead attorney on lawsuits brought by the City against violators of the Consumer Protection Ordinance in state and federal court, at times partnering with outside counsel. This position presents an exciting and unique opportunity to use a new legal tool that allows the City to protect its residents from scams and fraud through civil enforcement actions. Familiarity and experience with consumer protection and similar laws is preferred but not required. 

The Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney, Consumer Protection position requires an attorney with strong communication, organization, project management, and leadership skills. The Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney, Consumer Protection will assist the Unit’s Chief Deputy in supervising and providing support to the Consumer Protection legal assistant and investigator in the Unit, as well as developing and implementing Unit practices as they relate to enforcement of the City’s Consumer Protection Ordinance.

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,