Job Description

Position Summary

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. The matters are often fast-paced and 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 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.
• Ability to organize and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload.
• Ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
• 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.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: Up to $134,510 – Commensurate with education and experience

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

_ *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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

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