Divisional Deputy City Solicitor

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transit benefits

Paid parental leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced and licensed PA attorney to supervise two teams of attorneys representing the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) in the two core Dependency Court Rooms within Philadelphia Family Court.

The Divisional Deputy City Solicitor will lead CWU staff, mentor attorneys, and coordinate with DHS social workers to ensure timely, effective representation while upholding professional standards and the department's mission.

Qualifications

• Senior/supervisory level with 7+ years in child welfare or related courts.
• Licensed PA attorney required, must be admitted to practice in Pennsylvania or eligible by reciprocity.
• Experience supervising attorneys and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise two teams of attorneys representing DHS in Dependency Court.
• Mentor staff, provide training, and ensure timely, effective client representation.
• Advise senior leadership on legal strategy and policy improvements.
• Coordinate with DHS staff and social workers on difficult cases.
• Foster a diverse, professional work environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Policy guidance

Client communication

Judicial process knowledge

Diversity and inclusion

Strategic planning

Oral and written advocacy

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Pennsylvania Bar in good standing or reciprocity eligibility

Job description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced and licensed PA attorney to supervise two teams of attorneys who represent the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) in the two of the core Dependency Court Rooms in Philadelphia Family Court. Specifically, the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor will manage and oversee the work of CWU staff in two core Dependency Courtrooms or any other court teams identified by the CWU Chiefs and/or Chair of the Social Services Law Group.

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.

• The Divisional may also appear on high profile cases and other matters as deemed necessary by vacancies on the Court teams and/or at the direction of the two Chief Deputies of the CWU or the Chair of the Social Services Group.
• Providing mentoring, training, and resources for direct reports and new hires to meet the needs of the clients and Department.
• Acting as a stopgap where workforce or workflow responsibilities threaten providing client with timely or effective representation.
• Advising Chief Deputy on matters that impact the law or might serve to improve efficiency.
• Consulting DHS staff and social workers on a daily basis regarding difficult cases and decisions regarding what legal remedies may be available to the client.
• Communicating with all Child Welfare Unit staff on a regular basis and maintaining an open door for staff concerns.
• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and processwhich govern the clients that the unit represents.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of attorneys and support the client on Juvenile Justice and Older Youth matters.
• Ability to train and mentor staff.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand.
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of legal experience in child welfare law, Dependency Court, Delinquency Court, a strong understanding of DHS policy and structural organization as well as previous supervisory experience.
• 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 real-time decisions, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

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 for the discounted medical plan.
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options are available.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Karen Fortune, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Child Welfare Unit ([e-mail]).

The successful candidate must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 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: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx