Job Description

Position Summary

The position of Deputy City Solicitor in the Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit requires an attorney experienced in civil litigation matters capable of managing and handling individual cases on their own. This position will include handling and overseeing litigation including counseling and advice related to tobacco enforcement in Philadelphia.

In addition, the Deputy City Solicitor is expected to execute on opportunities identified by Unit and Law Department leadership to advance the City’s interests and improve and expand the work of the Law Department and the Unit. Unit members are expected to work collaboratively with other Unit and Law Department colleagues on all matters in a manner that reflects the Law Department’s focus on fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.

Essential Functions

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

• Maintain relationships and consistent communication with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (“PDPH”) and other relevant City stakeholders regarding tobacco and other related public health matters that could generate affirmative and defensive litigation.
• Develop subject matter expertise in all areas of law impacting the City’s ability to regulate and enforce tobacco laws, staying up to date on all legislative developments related to tobacco, including preemption.
• Provide legal research and counsel to PDPH on tobacco and other related public health matters.
• Investigate potential affirmative litigation and enforcement actions that advance the goals of PDPH in the areas of tobacco and other related public health matters.
• Partner with and support the Law Department’s Code Enforcement Unit on tobacco licensure and enforcement cases.
• Lead or provide advice and consulting on all affirmative and defensive litigation related to tobacco, including handling all litigation-related tasks.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to identify 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 clients, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to a variety of audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills.
• Ability to effectively delegate appropriate tasks to professional staff.
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to cultural competency.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.

Qualifications

• This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately five (5) plus years of relevant litigation experience required. Experience litigating/advising in the area of tobacco and/or public health is a bonus.
• 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 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.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $94,465 to $113,614 - Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Lydia Furst, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit (lydia.furst@phila.gov).

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 8 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