Assistant City Solicitor – Tax Litigation & Collections Unit – Use & Occupancy & Transfer Taxes Division

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 Tax Litigation and Collections 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 Litigation and Collections Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Law Department’s Tax Litigation and Collections Unit is seeking to hire a licensed Pennsylvania attorney with 1-4 years of experience as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Use & Occupancy & Transfer Taxes Division. This is an entry level position. Applicants must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.  The Use & Occupancy & Transfer Taxes Division focuses collection litigation efforts on the City’s local Realty Transfer Tax imposed on the transfer of property, and also the City’s unique Use & Occupancy Tax imposed on the commercial business use of property.

Essential Functions

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

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and various City departments, agencies, offices, officials and employees before federal bankruptcy courts
• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case
• Conduct research and analysis of legal issues
• Interpret bankruptcy laws and rulings for City departments, agencies, offices, officials and employees
• Prepare and file legal documents, such as plan objections, motions to dismiss, motions for relief from the automatic stay and responsive pleadings in bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings
• Participate in training and outreach efforts to raise the profile of the Division in the Law Department and among other City agencies, departments and offices
• Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
• Perform administrative, management and supervisory functions related to the practice of law

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities