Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Health and Adult Services Unit

The Law Department's Health and Adult Services Unit (HAS) represents the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services, and the Office of Homeless Services, among others. The attorney will play a critical role in representing City social and health-related entities that serve the adult residents of Philadelphia. The HAS is a collegial, fast-paced, high-volume litigation unit in which attorneys are expected to independently manage their case files from start to finish. This position is designated as fully onsite, with employees expected to report in person five (5) days per week.

Responsibilities

Independently manage a large caseload of affirmative litigation in mental health civil commitment hearings; Handle a smaller number of lead code violation complaints; Defend the City in administrative appeals arising from agency decisions; Handle cases from inception through disposition; Review, respond to, and potentially litigate subpoenas; Interview witnesses; Meet with clients; Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and responses for filing; Conduct legal research; Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia before government agencies and judicial forums; Autonomously litigate fast-paced, high-volume cases from inception to resolution; Flag, analyze, and interpret changes in case law, statutes, and regulations; Negotiate settlements; Track cases and maintain case files; Communicate timely and professionally with judges, colleagues, and opposing parties; Participate in efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department

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); Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have at least one (1) year of relevant litigation experience; Deputy City Solicitor applicants should have a minimum of four (4) years of relevant litigation experience; Legal experience should ideally include some or most of the Essential Functions described; Superior oral advocacy skills; Excellent legal research and writing skills; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Excellent judgment and critical thinking; Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to work independently and in teams; Ability to organize and maintain a high-volume caseload; Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency rules; Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions; Must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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; Wellness program with eligibility for discounted medical plan; 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% at partner colleges and universities