Job Description

Position Summary

The position of Deputy City Solicitor, Election Law, in the Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit requires an attorney experienced in civil litigation matters capable of managing and handling individual cases on their own and proactively advising the Philadelphia County Board of Elections and the City Commissioners regarding election operations, litigation issues, and strategies. This position will serve in a primary role in the Law Department’s and Unit’s oversight of the City’s elections including interfacing with many City departments regarding Election Day related services and activities and addressing election responsibilities and planning throughout the full year.

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:

• Appearing in federal and state courts in significant cases and for settlement conferences before judges and mediators in cases where the City’s potential liability is substantial.
• Providing proactive legal counseling to the Board of Elections.
• Researching and drafting all manner of legal issues, filings and litigation documents for Unit cases and projects relating to the City’s administration of elections.
• Supervising, collaborating and co-ordinating with outside co-counsel and co-parties in litigation.
• Participating in case and settlement strategy in major and minor cases.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.
• Managing non-litigation driven projects.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, in particular the Pennsylvania Election Code and other federal and state laws that impact election processes;
• 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 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 support and supervise a team of attorneys and professional staff.
• Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• 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 four (4) 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 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: $92,612 to $111,385 - 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 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