Assistant City Solicitor - Child Welfare Unit

The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. Assistants in the CWU will have the opportunity to handle a substantial case load within a short period of their arrival in the CWU and will be charged with court room duties after a one-month training interval. This position is ideal for candidates looking to improve and develop their court room skills while at the same time assisting the City in protecting some of its most vulnerable citizens.

Responsibilities

Litigating Dependency Cases in Family Court in Bench Trials; Litigating Permanency Hearings for Children adjudicated dependent in Family Court; Litigating Termination of Parental Rights/Adoption Cases in Family Court; Representing DHS at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in Expungement matters; Preparing DHS files for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting these files; Litigating motions to quash subpoenas for DHS records; Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; Researching and analyzing complex legal issues

Requirements

Law degree from an ABA accredited law school; Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204); Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department; Good academic credentials; Strong communication, analytical, and writing skills; Ability to work independently; The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Nice to have

One (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting; Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process; Excellent research and writing skills; Ability to organize and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload

Benefits

Unlimited FREE public transportation through SEPTA's Key Advantage program; 8 weeks of paid parental leave; Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents; Eligibility for discounted medical plan through wellness program; Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; Generous retirement savings options; Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program; Tuition discounts and scholarships of 10% to 40% with partner colleges and universities