Deputy City Solicitor or Senior Attorney - Labor and Employment Unit

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 youre 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 Citys 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. This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations.

For this position, we are specifically seeking two attorneys to serve as advisors in the investigation and charging functions of the Policy Board of Inquiry, and to represent the Philadelphia Police Department before the Police Board of Inquiry.

The attorneys will support PPD Charging Unit in ensuring that only the proper charges are filed against an employee based upon an objective and thorough investigation. Further, any disciplinary charges that are presented to the PBI Boards are done in a fair, equitable and consistent manner. Attorneys assigned to this position may consult with the PPDs Internal Affairs Unit as well.

The attorneys assigned to the PBI Advocate Unit are expected to be on location at Police Headquarters when PBI Hearings are scheduled. Case preparations may be conducted remotely. Those attorneys assigned to the PBI shall, based upon their professional experience, conduct the proper case review and other preparations necessary and represent the PPD before the PBI Boards.

Essential Functions

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

• Legal and comparative research -- identifying applicable statutes, case law, etc.
• Legal analysis of issues.
• Writing of legal memorandum summarizing research, legal analysis, and providing conclusions if appropriate.
• Identifying appropriate witnesses and documents to present as evidence in hearings.
• Conduct/respond to discovery.
• Negotiation and advising on settlement of cases.
• Drafting of settlement agreements.
• Communicating with defendants, opposing counsel, and clients regarding cases.
• Advise clients on individual cases based on factual circumstances and the law. As well as provide advice and counsel to the client on larger issues independent of specific cases in consultation with the Divisional(s) and Chief.
• Work on special projects as assigned which may include leading special project committees which requires some supervision/management of assignments.
• Mentor/guide Assistant and Deputy City Solicitors.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.

• The ideal candidate will have at least 5-10 years of civil litigation experience in Pennsylvania. Significant knowledge and experience in police disciplinary code and process of investigation and charging of violations experience working with union leadership and counsel.
• The candidate must have the knowledge, ability and patience to teach attorneys with varying levels of experience. Instruction on law, procedure, trial advocacy and the ability to impart insights on professionalism are an integral part of each day as supervisor of this L&E Unit.
• The following competencies are vital to this position: ability to relate well with people; provide reinforcement and encouragement; and provide suggestions and advice on how to improve. The candidate should have working knowledge of City of Philadelphia government to spot issues, render advice and resolve matters as appropriate.
• Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school, and must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.
• Ability to obtain a CJIS clearance.

TO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: Commensurate with education and experience

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [emailprotected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx