Associate Solicitor - State Litigation

City of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 105,567 - 142,827; Full time

Job summary

The City of Pittsburgh Law Department seeks an Associate City Solicitor to lead the State Litigation Group, manage a team of lawyers, handle state-level cases, supervise support staff, and mentor attorneys.

Based in Pittsburgh, PA, the ACS will collaborate with the Law Department, oversee assignments, and represent the City before state trial and appellate courts. A JD and PA license are required with eight years of litigation experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight (8) years of full-time litigation experience, with four (4) years in state litigation.
• Juris Doctorate Degree and active Pennsylvania license or eligibility to practice in Pennsylvania.
• Must provide a writing sample with application.

Responsibilities

• Manages lawyers and staff in the State Litigation Group.
• Handles state litigation including discovery, motions, settlements, ADR, trials, and appeals.
• Advises internal employees on legal issues.
• Reviews legislation, regulations, forms, rules, and policies related to topics.
• Maintains expertise on laws and decisions affecting municipal litigation.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the City Solicitor.

Skills

Litigation experience

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctorate

PA license or eligibility

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate City Solicitor (\"ACS\") is to serve as leader and manager of the State Litigation Group within the Law Department. The ACS will both handle cases and manage a team of lawyers who represent the City in state litigation. The ACS will serve as the leader of the state group. The ACS will collaborate with and mentor other attorneys and will assign projects. The ACS will also supervise support staff in their section.

About the Law Department:

The City of Pittsburgh Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government. We provide legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City officials and employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. The attorneys of the Law Department represent the City and its officials in litigation, including at trial and in appellate matters in state and federal courts. The Law Department also represents the City as a municipal corporation in drafting legislation, negotiating and documenting transactions, handling real estate matters, and advising on operational matters.

The Law Department is located in the City–County Building (Pittsburgh’s \"CityHall\"), 414 Grant Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

The Law Department offers a dynamic, collegial environment for the practice of law.

Department: Law

Posting Type: Announcement

Salary: $124,197 per year.

Union: None, this is a non-union position.

Civil Service Classification: Exempt

REQUIREMENTS

General Requirements:

Each applicant must submit or show proof of all the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below), or the application will be disqualified. Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

• Applicants must submit a complete application, including a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and completed supplemental questions.


• The successful applicant must become a resident of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and must remain a resident throughout employment.
  
  
  
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NOTE: The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, criminal background, driver's license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation, as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered.

NOTE: Candidates being considered for employment must submit official transcripts verifying post‑secondary education (college/university, trade school, etc.) prior to hire. Law school transcripts must be submitted prior to interview. Any other post‑secondary transcripts must be submitted prior to hire.

QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS

Your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will receive notice of your eligibility status via email.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

The application requires a minimum of eight (8) years of full-time litigation experience, with at least four (4) years dedicated to state litigation. Jury trial experience in state court is required. (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro‑rated basis.) Litigation experience on behalf of government or municipal clients is preferred.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

The application must clearly show a Juris Doctorate Degree and an active Pennsylvania license or be eligible to practice in Pennsylvania on the start date. (See NOTE under General Application Requirements regarding education/training verification.)

• Must provide a writing sample -please attach to your application prior to submission.

EQUIVALENCY

None permitted for this position. Therefore, no education/training and/or work experience may be substituted toward the qualifying requirements listed above.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will receive a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s). You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position. Candidates receiving job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) before the date of hire.

• Written: None required for this position.


• Performance: None required for this position.


• Medical: None required for this position.

POSITION DUTIES

The duties 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.

• Manages lawyers and staff effectively in the State Litigation Group.


• Handles all aspects of state litigation including discovery, motions, settlements, ADR, jury trials, appeals, and arguments in front of the trial and appellate courts.


• Advises internal employees on various relevant legal issues.


• Reviews legislation, regulations, forms, rules, plans, and policies as requested on relevant topics.


• Maintains and develops expertise about laws, regulations, and court decisions affecting relevant litigation topics and municipal legal issues.


• Performs other related tasks and duties as assigned or required by the City Solicitor.

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