Assistant City Solicitor - Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit - City of Philadelphia

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description 

The City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.  

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.  

We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.  

The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Code Enforcement Unit brings cases on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in a broad spectrum of enforcement matters against property owners and food handlers whose actions jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Code Enforcement Unit attorneys ensure that individuals and businesses meet all licensing, permit, and other regulatory requirements under the Philadelphia Code.  The Code Enforcement Unit also provides legal advice and counseling to City Departments (e.g., the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Public Health, City Planning Commission, and Historic Commission, etc.). 

Position Summary 

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 Code Enforcement Unit.  The attorney would bring affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia primarily in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Philadelphia Municipal Courts for violations arising from the Philadelphia Code.  The attorney will also be responsible for defending the City of Philadelphia in statutory appeals before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review and Tax Review Board.  The attorney will also defend the City in emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code.  This position requires the attorney to manage a large caseload.  The attorney will conduct depositions, engage experts, attend court conferences, draft appropriate pleadings, court memoranda, and dispositive motions, and prepare and present cases before the Philadelphia Court system. 

Essential Functions 

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

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before government agencies, and in legal matters 

• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in code enforcement litigation. 

• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case 

• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems 

• Study federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations 

• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies 

• Present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others and argue on behalf of the clients 

• Prepare and file legal documents, such as preliminary objections, answers and dispositive motions 

• Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents 

• Negotiate settlements 

• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law 

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. 

• 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 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 hire is at the discretion of the Law Department. 

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

Salary Range: $79,512 to $90,125 – 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!

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters:  

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Joanna Klein, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Litigation Division, Code Enforcement Unit (joanna.klein@phila.gov).  

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