Assistant City Solicitor

New Jersey Department of Children and Families; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is looking for an entry-level attorney for the Assistant City Solicitor role. Responsibilities include litigating tax-related cases and performing legal research. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills, with a preference for experience in the local court system. Benefits include free public transportation, parental leave, and tuition discounts.

Benefits

Unlimited FREE public transportation

8 weeks of paid parental leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer

25% tuition discount for City employees

Comprehensive health coverage

Wellness program with discounted medical plan

Generous retirement savings options

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a law degree and be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar or eligible for reciprocity.
• Preferable to have relevant legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Litigating state court actions and agency appeals.
• Drafting legal documents and performing legal research.
• Attending court proceedings and hearings.

Skills

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Legal Research

Trial Skills

Education

Law degree from an ABA accredited law school

Job description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an entry level licensed attorney as an Assistant City Solicitor or an attorney with at least four (4) years of litigation experience in the Tax Litigation and Collections Unit’s Business Tax Division. The ideal candidate has outstanding academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. In addition, preference will be given to candidates with experience in the City of Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Essential Functions

The duties of an Assistant City Solicitor in the Business Tax Division primarily consist of litigating agency and state court actions from the pleading stage through Administrative Hearings or before the Court of Common Pleas, which encompasses:

• Trying state court collection cases before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas:
• Trying agency appeal cases before the Tax Review Board and resulting statutory appeals in state court;
• Attending court conferences and hearings;
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; and
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process;
• 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, Board members, opposing parties, or judges, 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 the public and to businesses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Significant experience in the City of Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills.
• Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
• 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 (Education and Experience)

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have one (1) year plus of relevant experience, and 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.

Additional Information

Did you know?

• 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.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Generous retirement savings options are available.

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters: https://smrtr.io/r6szn

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Marissa O’Connell, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, [e-mail].

Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

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