Assistant City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit

Job Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with 1-5 years of litigation experience as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Civil Rights Unit.

This is an entry level position that provides the successful candidate an opportunity to manage cases from start to finish.

All pleadings, discovery, and motions are developed by the assigned attorney, who also serves as first chair at trial in the event the case does not resolve via motion or settlement.

Consequently, prior civil litigation experience and / or a federal clerkship are preferred, and applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar.

The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. Because attorneys in the Civil Rights Unit reasonably expect to try between three and seven cases a year in federal or state court and / or participate in virtual court proceedings, comfort with public speaking and a desire to hone oral advocacy skills are preferred.

Essential Functions

The duties of an Assistant City Solicitor in the Civil Rights Unit primarily consist of litigating federal and state court actions from the pleading stage through disposition via motion, settlement, trial or arbitration, as well as subsequent analysis of certain cases.

These duties encompass :

• Trying federal and state court cases before a jury or judge;
• Representing the City and employees at arbitrations;
• Taking and defending depositions;
• Attending court conferences and hearings;
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs;
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues;
• Participating in analyses of policies currently in place; and
• Developing, with the team, proposed policy or practice modifications for consideration by the clients as a result of lessons learned through litigation.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn;
• 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 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 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 entry level position but one (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred.
• 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.
30+ days ago