Assistant City Solicitor – Tax Litigation and Collections Unit

City of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 79,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an entry-level Assistant City Solicitor for the Tax Litigation and Collections Unit. The role involves litigating tax-related cases and requires strong communication and analytical skills. Ideal candidates will have a law degree and relevant experience. The position offers a vibrant work environment with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Free unlimited public transportation

Eight weeks of paid parental leave

Comprehensive health coverage

Wellness program

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Retirement savings options

Tuition discounts and scholarships

Qualifications

• At least one year of relevant experience in a legal setting.
• Preference for experience within the City of Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Responsibilities

• Litigating agency and state court actions.
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Problem Solving

Negotiating

Teamwork

Education

Law Degree from ABA-accredited Law School

Job description

Assistant City Solicitor – Tax Litigation and Collections Unit

Full-time

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 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 Tax Litigation and Collections Unit represents the City, as plaintiff, seeking to collect taxes and certain other amounts owed to the City, and represents the City as defendant in cases where taxpayers dispute their liabilities. The Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting all taxes due to the City and to the School District of Philadelphia, and for collecting water and sewer charges and certain other debts to the City. From time to time, the Law Department seeks professional services providers to assist it in its work, including third-party collection services. The Department of Revenue is selected to administer these contracts, in conjunction with the Law Department’s Tax Litigation and Collections Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors.

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. 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 include 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 subsequent statutory appeals in state court;
• Attending court conferences and hearings;
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; and
• Researching and analyzing complex legal issues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and processes;
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions;
• Ability to identify applicable laws and regulations for specific matters;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present and explain cases to arbitrators, Board members, opposing parties, or judges, and to listen, answer questions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations;
• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and businesses;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns;
• Significant experience in the City of Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas is preferred;
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment;
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills;
• Ability to train legal and 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 teamwork and collaboration.

Applicants for Assistant City Solicitor must have at least one (1) year of relevant experience, with preference for experience within a legal setting. Candidates must hold a law degree from an ABA-accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar or eligible for admission by reciprocity (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

To Apply: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Salary Range: $79,512 to $90,125 – Commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits of Working for the City of Philadelphia include:

• Free unlimited public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and dependents.
• Wellness program with discounted medical plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships at partner institutions.

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and enjoy these benefits designed to support your personal and professional growth.

*The successful candidate must reside in Philadelphia within six months of hire.

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for non-medical, non-emergency, or non-patient-facing positions. Positions providing patient-facing medical care must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information, or victim status. Discrimination can be reported to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.