Chief Deputy City Solicitor – Labor and Employment 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 a 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 and General Litigation Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor and Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Labor and Employment Unit of the Law Department represents the City of Philadelphia departments, agencies, boards and officials in litigation and counseling matters. Attorneys appear daily before the Civil Service Commission, AAA arbitrations, and agencies such as the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, the EEOC and the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and litigate in federal and state courts. This unit also handles claims of age, race and gender discrimination, and sexual harassment and provides counsel to all operating departments on labor and employment law matters. Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) also on a daily basis and provide training and refresher courses to Human Resource professionals and supervisors in all areas of labor and employment law.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Labor & Employment Unit is the head of the Unit. This is a management level position that involves defending the City of Philadelphia and its employees primarily in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as in various administrative and arbitration spaces, against claims of unlawful employment practices.  The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from Title VII, the ADA, FMLA, Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, and related employment law, as well as interest and grievance arbitration statutes and agreements.  Responsibilities include managing and supervising a team of three (3) Divisional Deputy City Solicitors (managers) approximately twelve (12) trial attorneys and three (3) staff as they represent the City in these matters.

The Chief Deputy also represents the City and its officials in significant jury trials and settlement negotiations in civil litigation matters.  In addition to advising the Unit’s attorneys on trial and settlement strategy and authorizing settlement of the Unit’s cases when in the best interest of the City, the Chief Deputy works with departments across the City, counseling them about liability exposure and best practices to reduce the risk exposure of the City.

The Labor & Employment Unit represents clients across City departments and agencies.   Lead by the Chief Deputy, Unit members are expected to work collaboratively with other Unit and Law Department colleagues on all matter