Chief Deputy City Solicitor

City of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor for the Labor & Employment Unit represents the City of Philadelphia in legal matters, focusing on employment law. This senior management position requires overseeing attorneys, advising on case strategies, and collaborating with various departments to mitigate legal risks. Candidates should possess extensive legal experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a law degree from an accredited school.

Benefits

Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA

8 weeks of paid parental leave

Tuition discount program for employees

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum of 9 years of legal experience relevant to employment law.
• Management experience preferred.
• Membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar required.

Responsibilities

• Managing attorneys and administrative personnel in the Labor & Employment Unit.
• Representing the City in federal court for significant cases.
• Overseeing the Unit’s Settlement Committee and advising on legal strategies.

Skills

Knowledge of labor and employment laws

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to foster and maintain a collegial work environment

Education

Juris Doctor (law degree)

Job description

Position Summary

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Labor & Employment Unit is the head of the Unit. This is a management level position that involves defending the City of Philadelphia and its employees primarily in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as in various administrative and arbitration spaces, against claims of unlawful employment practices. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about 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 and agreements. Responsibilities include managing and supervising a team of three (3) Divisional Deputy City Solicitors (managers) approximately twelve (12) trial attorneys and three (3) staff as they represent the City in these matters.

The Chief Deputy also represents the City and its officials in significant jury trials and settlement negotiations in civil litigation matters. In addition to advising the Unit’s attorneys on trial and settlement strategy and authorizing settlement of the Unit’s cases when in the best interest of the City, the Chief Deputy works with departments across the City, counseling them about liability exposure and best practices to reduce the risk exposure of the City.

The Labor & Employment Unit represents clients across City departments and agencies. Lead by the Chief Deputy, 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 include but are not limited to:

• Managing and supervising all attorneys and administrative personnel in the Unit.
• Appearing regularly in federal court for settlement conferences before judges in cases where the City’s potential liability is substantial.
• Sitting first or second chair in jury trials as needed.
• Overseeing the Unit’s Settlement Committee meetings, where case strategy and settlement authority for major and minor cases are discussed.
• Ensuring that the Unit is providing proactive legal counseling to City departments and agencies.
• Exploring risk mitigation strategies through use of data, case studies, and after-action reviews.
• Exploring ways to improve efficiency and processes through the use of technology.
• Arranging mock juries to test liability in cases that are set for trial.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.
• Developing and updating a rigorous training program for new attorneys.
• Working closely with clients to assure compliance with applicable law.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of labor and employment laws, City codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, 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 research, analyze and apply law to particular facts to propose solutions to matters affecting our clients
• Effective communication of information and ideas, in writing and verbally, to supervisors, clients and fact finders. Must be able to clearly present and explain each 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.
• 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 abilities to work in teams, collaborate with colleagues and clients, and foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with a minimum of (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities the unit requires.
• Management experience is strongly preferred, particularly with overseeing large teams with a significant number of deliverables in short periods of time.
• 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.
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options are available.

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters: https://smrtr.io/r8Ncn

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Anne B. Taylor, Chair, Litigation Group ([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 [e-mail]. For more information, go to the Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx