Assistant City Solicitor or Deputy City Solicitor – Health and Adult Services Unit

Position Summary 

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with one (1) to five (5) years of litigation experience. The attorney will play a critical role in representing City social and health-related city entities that serve the adult residents of Philadelphia. The attorney will be responsible for independently managing a large caseload of affirmative litigation in mental health civil commitment hearings, as well as a smaller number of lead code violation complaints. The attorney will also defend the City in administrative appeals arising from agency decisions. Attorneys in the HAS Unit handle their cases from inception through disposition. The successful candidate will possess superior oral advocacy skills, excellent legal research and writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to seeking input, clarifying uncertainties, and sharing knowledge with other members of the team. Additional responsibilities for this position include reviewing, responding to, and potentially litigating subpoenas; interviewing witnesses; meeting with clients; drafting pleadings and motions; and conducting legal research. 

Essential Functions 

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia before government agencies and, judicial forums. 

• Autonomously litigate fast-paced, high-volume cases from inception to resolution which will include researching cases, preparing witness testimony, orchestrating client meetings, developing case theories, and crafting closing arguments.  

• Cultivate familiarity with Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976, Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955, Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, Confidentiality of HIV-related Information Act of 1990, The Philadelphia City Code, Philadelphia Home Rule Charter as well as various applicable regulations and caselaw.  

• Flag, analyze and interpret changes in case law, statutes and regulations that impact the Unit’s practice.  

• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and responses for filing.  

• Negotiate settlements. 

• Track cases, maintain case files and perform other administrative and case management functions related to the practice of law. 

• Communicate timely and professionally with the judges, colleagues, and opposing parties. 

• Develop and nurture values of diversity equity and inclusion, ensuring equitable access to services, especially considering this Unit’s interaction with the City’s most vulnerable populations.  

• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.  

• Regularly communicate with and seek advice from supervisor, mentors and unit members.  

• Participate in efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.  

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and processes which govern our unit’s clients with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each client. 

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.     

• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.    

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment. 

• 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  

• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions. 

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking 

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.   

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.    

• 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 work independently.  

• Ability to ask thoughtful questions, seek input from colleagues, and contribute to a team-oriented environment 

• Ability to organize and maintain a high-volume caseload.