Job Description

The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator who is a licensed PA attorney to manage cases arising out of Philadelphia Code violations and supervise attorneys within the Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit. The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit brings affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, statutory appeals before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review, Tax Review Board, and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment, along with any appeals to the Court of Common Pleas from those administrative agency decisions, litigates emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code in the Court of Common Pleas and before the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania  The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from the following: Title 4, Title 9, Title 10, and Title 19 of the Philadelphia Code, Local Agency Appeals, and constitutional issues arising under the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions.  Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) / daily and provide training and refresher courses to City enforcement agencies.  This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which can involve complex (and at times high profile and politically sensitive) settlement negotiations.  It is a demanding but rewarding position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• The duties of the Divisional Deputy consist of supervising and training the attorneys in the Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit, offering advice to client-agencies and managing a caseload. These duties include, but are not limited to:
• Managing and overseeing the Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit in all matters concerning trial of civil claims.
• Ensuring that all civil actions are assigned to trial attorneys with advice on motions, investigation, discovery and case theories.
• Reviewing and approving pleadings, motions, and other court filings.
• Conducting frequent case reviews with attorneys to ensure that appropriate pleadings, motions, etc.
• are timely filed and that investigation and discovery are timely and appropriately conducted.
• Training new attorneys in the Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit on substantive and procedural law and trial advocacy.
• Advising attorneys on case stratagems, theories, and issues.
• Setting appropriate settlement authority on civil claims.
• Approving appropriate settlement authority.
• Preparing written evaluations of attorneys and support staff.
• Communicating with and reviewing the work of outside counsel.
• Attend meetings as representative of the unit with other city departments and clients.
• Work with court administrations regarding processing of cases or other issues that might arise.
• Appearing in court and preparing for trial when warranted.
• Interviewing and making hiring recommendations.
• Conducting legal research and drafting of memoranda on legal, policy or other issues.
• Being available to assist the Chief Deputy in all matters affecting the Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Philadelphia Code (including but not limited to the sections referenced above), U.S. and Commonwealth constitutional law, Local Agency Law, administrative law, 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 orally and in writing so others will understand.
• Must be able instruct attorneys on legal, procedural and practical aspects of civil litigation.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to self-direct, and ability to prioritize, plan work, and manage projects independently considering the substantial caseload of the Unit.
• Excellent judgment and ability to identify potential issues.
• Ability to manage the work of multiple professionals and legal support staff.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of civil litigation experience in Pennsylvania. Significant knowledge and experience in the enforcement of the Philadelphia Code is necessary to manage the Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit.  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 Code and Public Nuisance Litigation 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 BE A MEMBER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA BAR.

Additional Information

SALARY: $97,000- $103,000

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Kristin K. Bray, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit (kristin.bray@phila.gov).

Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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