Chief Deputy City Solicitor – Appeals Unit

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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 280 attorneys and 120 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 a 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 Appeals Unit represents the City of Philadelphia and its employees in federal and state appellate courts.  The Appeals Unit manages all appellate practice for the City of Philadelphia, briefing and arguing cases associated with any subject matter litigated by the City (inclusive of Tax, Right to Know Law, and Child Welfare cases that arise from litigating teams that are in other Groups).   

 

In addition to its litigation responsibilities, the Appeals Unit counsels City Departments, primarily on issues that might give rise to civil rights concerns.  In particular, the team advises most frequently on First Amendment concerns.  

 

Professional Responsibility & Public Service 

We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service. 

 

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Appeals Unit is the head of the Unit.  This is a management level position that involves running the appellate practice of one of the largest municipalities in the country.  Responsibilities include managing and supervising a team of approximately five (5) appellate attorneys and one (1) non-attorney staff member as they represent the City in a broad array of cases, including some of its highest-exposure litigation arising out of overturned conviction, Ninth Exception, and tax matters.   

 

The Chief Deputy advises the Unit’s attorneys on brief, argument, and settlement strategy, and authorizes settlement of the Unit’s cases when in the best interest of the City.  The Chief Deputy represents the City and its officials in significant and routine appellate matters as needed, inclusive of briefs, arguments and settlement negotiations.  The Chief Deputy is responsible for advising clients on high-exposure legal matters, particularly in the First Amendment space.  The Chief Deputy also leads the Unit in its collaborations with units across the Department on a broad array of matters, be it tax policy and litigation strategy, trial strategy in any number of subject matters, contract provisions, proposed legislation, and interpretations of statutory obligations of the City.  The team has a breadth and depth of experience to leverage in all of these spaces, and the Chief Deputy serves as the primary point of contact for issue spotting and workflow management for these collaborations. 

 

Essential Functions 

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. 

• Managing and supervising all attorneys and administrative personnel in the Unit. 

• Coaching employees to enhance their written and courtroom presentation of arguments, as well as their relationship development with both clients and the bench. 

• Representing the City in federal and state court settlement conferences in cases where the City’s potential liability is substantial. 

• Briefing and presenting oral argument on complex legal issues in state and federal courts of appeal. 

• Ensuring that the Unit is providing proactive legal counseling as required to City departments and agencies. 

• Fostering relationships with the state and federal appellate courts by proactively seeking opportunities to present at CLEs, attend networking events, and speak to interns. 

• 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. 

• Developing and updating a rigorous training program for new attorneys. 

• Working closely with clients to assure compliance with applicable federal and state law. 

 

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 judges, arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, and clients, 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 train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements. 

• 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 (Education and Experience) 

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with a minimum of (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities the unit requires.   

• The successful candidate will have significant jury trial experience, as well as significant appellate experience making complex factual and legal presentations to the court. 

• 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. 

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

Salary Range: $148,816 to $175,756 – Commensurate with education and experience.

 

Work Location & Onsite Expectations 

This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.  

 

Who Thrives in This Role 

This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment. 

 

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