Divisional Deputy City Solicitor – Civil Rights Unit

Position SummaryThe City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator, licensed in Pennsylvania, to manage and defend cases filed in both state and federal court and arising out of allegations of constitutional harm.  The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of litigation experience, with at least three years of constitutional litigation experience.  Lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit must demonstrate excellent legal research and writing capability, and, because many of the Unit’s cases are resolved through trial, must exhibit poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills.  The candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising under civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and the immunities and exceptions provided under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act.  This position involves providing mentorship and guidance to a team of attorneys handling legally and factually complex matters.  It is a demanding but rewarding position. Essential FunctionsThe duties of the Divisional Deputy consist of supervising and mentoring attorneys in the Civil Rights Unit, offering advice to client-agencies and managing a caseload.  In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before judges and juries in both state and federal court.Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs in litigation.Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the caseConduct research and analysis of legal problemsStudy federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulationsInterpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agenciesPresent facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others and argue on behalf of the clientsPrepare and file legal documents, such as preliminary objections, answers and dispositive motionsSupervise junior attorneys and legal assistantsCollaborate with and advise junior attorneys on case stratagems, theories, and issuesReview and approve junior attorneys’ pleadings, motions, and other court filingsCommunicate with and review the work of outside counselAttend meetings as representative of the unit with other city departments and clientsAnalyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedentsNegotiate settlementsBeing available to assist the Chief Deputy in all matters affecting the Civil Rights UnitCompetencies, Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency polices and processAbility 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 clientsExcellent research and writing skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns