Divisional Deputy City Solicitor - 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'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 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 City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with at least seven (7) plus years of litigation experience as a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor in the newly created Tax and Revenue Unit’s Use and Occupancy Tax Division. This is a high-level position. Prior litigation experience is required, and applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has outstanding academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. In addition, preference will be given to candidates with significant experience in the City of Philadelphia Municipal Court or managerial experience.

Essential Functions

The duties of a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor in the Use and Occupancy Tax Division primarily consist of managing litigators handling agency and state court actions from the pleading stage through arbitration or trial, which encompasses:  

• Managing a staff of 4 individuals;  
• Providing legal advice on Use and Occupancy Tax issues; 
• Administering the PILOT program 
• Trying significant state court collection cases before the Municipal Court and Arbitration panels;  
• Trying significant  appeal cases before the Tax Review Board and resulting statutory appeals in state court;   
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues  
• Managing the status of the Top 100 use and occupancy tax receivables;  
• Mentoring junior attorneys in the Division;  
• Providing training to staff;   
• Meeting weekly with staff that report to the Divisional Deputy;  
• Maintaining case management database and assigning cases;  
• Interacting with Municipal Court staff to maintain the electronic filings and docket update;  
• Generating monthly collection reports for u