Position Summary
The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit is seeking a PA licensed attorney to fill an open position as a Senior Attorney.
The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator to handle and manage cases arising out of Philadelphia Code violations. The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit brings affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, statutory appeals before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review, Tax Review Board, and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment, along with any appeals to the Court of Common Pleas from those administrative agency decisions, litigates emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code in the Court of Common Pleas and before the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from the following: Title 4, Title 9, Title 10, and Title 19 of the Philadelphia Code, Local Agency Appeals, and constitutional issues arising under the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions. Additionally, they will have state court litigation experience and be familiar with the PA Rules of Civil Procedure. Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) / daily and provide training and refresher courses to City enforcement agencies. This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which can involve complex (and at times high profile and politically sensitive) settlement negotiations. It is a demanding but rewarding position.
Essential Functions
In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities of a Senior Attorney include but are not limited to:
Legal and comparative research -- identifying applicable statutes, case law, etc.
Legal analysis of issues.
Writing of legal memorandum summarizing research, legal analysis, and providing conclusions if appropriate. Also, the review and editing of others written work product.
Review of cases referred to determine if appropriate for filing.
Drafting and filing of pleadings, motions and other court filings.
Identifying appropriate witnesses and documents to present as evidence in trials.
Witness preparation for hearings.
Conduct/respond to discovery.
Negotiation and settlement of cases with pro se defendants and opposing counsel.
Drafting of settlement agreements.
Communicating with defendants, opposing counsel, and clients regarding cases and Philadelphia Code provisions.
Advise clients on individual cases based on factual circumstances and the law. As well as provide advice and counsel to the client on larger issues independent of specific cases in consultation with the Divisional(s) and Chief.
Work on special projects as assigned which may include leading special project committees which requires some supervision/management of assignments.
Tracking and management of case schedule and deadlines, including but not limited to entry of notes following hearings in case management system.
Respond phone calls and emails from colleagues, clients, defendants and opposing counsel.
Other administrative tasks as necessary.
Attend meetings.
Presentations at Unit Meetings and/or CLEs.
Conducting interviews as part of a hiring panel/committee.
Mentor/guide Assistant and Deputy City Solicitors.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of Philadelphia Code (including but not limited to the sections referenced above), U.S. and Commonwealth constitutional law, Local Agency Law, administrative law, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process.
Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing
Strong organizational skills and self-direction and ability to prioritize, plan work, and manage projects independently.
Ability to prioritize and manage substantial workload;
Ability to negotiate effectively;
Strong work values; and
Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
City of Philadelphia
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