Position Summary
The position of Deputy City Solicitor in the Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit requires an attorney experienced in civil litigation matters capable of managing and handling individual cases on their own. This position will include handling and overseeing litigation including counseling and advice related to tobacco enforcement in Philadelphia.
In addition, the Deputy City Solicitor is expected to execute on opportunities identified by Unit and Law Department leadership to advance the City’s interests and improve and expand the work of the Law Department and the Unit. Unit members are expected to work collaboratively with other Unit and Law Department colleagues on all matters in a manner that reflects the Law Department’s focus on fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.
Essential Functions
In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Maintain relationships and consistent communication with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (“PDPH”) and other relevant City stakeholders regarding tobacco and other related public health matters that could generate affirmative and defensive litigation.
- Develop subject matter expertise in all areas of law impacting the City’s ability to regulate and enforce tobacco laws, staying up to date on all legislative developments related to tobacco, including preemption.
- Provide legal research and counsel to PDPH on tobacco and other related public health matters.
- Investigate potential affirmative litigation and enforcement actions that advance the goals of PDPH in the areas of tobacco and other related public health matters.
- Partner with and support the Law Department’s Code Enforcement Unit on tobacco licensure and enforcement cases.
- Lead or provide advice and consulting on all affirmative and defensive litigation related to tobacco, including handling all litigation-related tasks.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
- Ability to identify 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 clients, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
- Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to a variety of audiences.
- 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 effectively delegate appropriate tasks to professional staff.
- Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office.
- Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
- Strong commitment to cultural competency.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.