Assistant City Solicitor - Labor and Employment Unit

Job title: Assistant City Solicitor - Labor and Employment Unit

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

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 220 attorneys and 100 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 and General Litigation Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. The Labor & Employment Unit of the Law Department represents the City of Philadelphia departments, agencies, boards and officials in administrative law and litigation matters. The L&E Unit handles claims of age, race and gender discrimination, and sexual harassment and also provides counsel to all operating departments on various labor and employment law matters. Attorneys in the L&E Unit also regularly provide training and refresher courses to the City’s Human Resource professionals and supervisors in all areas of labor and employment law. This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations.

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.

Job Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia seeks a licensed PA attorney to join it’s Labor & Employment Unit as an Assistant City Solicitor (ACS). ACSs are assigned labor and employment matters before the Civil Service Commission, AAA arbitrations, the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, the EEOC, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, as well as cases filed in federal and state court. ACS are expected to handle their assigned matters independently, with appropriate guidance and supervision from a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, and to be able to effectively contribute as part of a team. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with legal issues arising from Title VII, the ADA, FMLA, Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, and related employment law, as well as interest and grievance arbitration statutes, agreements and related labor law. The ability to learn and to adapt to the different types of matters assigned and the different forums in which the ACS will practice is paramount. Well-developed organizational skills are also important as this position is a high-volume practice which often involves complex matters.

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.

• Represent and defend the City of Philadelphia and clients before government agencies, in federal and state court, and in other forums.

• Advise clients on individual cases based on factual circumstances and the law. Provide advice and counsel to the client on larger issues independent of specific cases in consultation with a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor.

• Prepare and file legal documents, such as preliminary objections, answers and dispositive motions.

• Prepare cases for adversarial hearings, including identifying appropriate witnesses and documents to present as evidence, and handle the hearings.

• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court and administrative law staff as appropriate.

• Conduct/respond to discovery.

• Negotiation and advising on settlement of cases; draft settlement agreements.

• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case.

• Legal and comparative research—identify applicable statutes and regulations, relevant case law and administrative decisions. Draft legal memoranda summarizing research, legal analysis, and providing conclusions and recommendations, appropriate.

• Work on special projects as assigned.

• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of employment discrimination laws (including but not limited to the one referenced above), labor relations laws, relevant court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and processes, 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 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 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.

• 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

• This is an entry level position but one (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred.

• 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.

• 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.

• Additional Information

• Salary Range: $83,945 to $94,686 – Commensurate with education and experience

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.

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 [email protected].

• For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx