Company Description

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 Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Claims Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. 

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Claims Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. 

The position is housed in the Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit of the Law Department which develops and asserts affirmative claims on behalf of the City, sometimes working with outside counsel, and particularly in furtherance of City policy objectives and to protect the interests of the City and its residents. 

This specific Deputy City Solicitor position is housed in the Office of Worker Protection (OWP) in the Philadelphia Department of Labor and will focus on enforcement of the City’s worker protection laws. The position may also be called upon to support with enforcement of Labor Standards and Workforce Diversity requirements on City contracts. 

Additionally, the Department of Labor assists the Administration in developing and implementing workforce strategy and manages relations with the labor community as a whole. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

This is not an entry-level litigation position. Affirmative litigators must exhibit poise and confidence, and this position requires specialized knowledge.  The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from Federal Labor Standards Act, Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collections Act, Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act, Wage Theft Complaints, Promoting Health Families and Workplaces,  Fair Workweek Employment Standards, Protections for Domestic Workers, Wrongful Discharge from Parking Employment, related employment law, as well as affirmative recovery litigation processes.  In addition, this position will support the Office of Worker Protection, which administers the City's various worker protection ordinances to ensure that all employees in Philadelphia receive their protections under the law. Included within the scope of these ordinances is the authority to issue subpoenas, fines, and penalties, in accordance with the law.  This position will report to the Chief Deputy of the Affirmative and Special Litigation Unit. Responsibilities include: 

 

• Counseling: Attorney will be the primary legal contact for all questions related to the interpretation of the OWP’s governing law and regulations. Attorney will report to the Law Department’s Affirmative and Special Litigation Unit. Attorney will stay up to date on developing case law and report relevant developments to OWP. Attorney will assist in drafting regulations, templates, policies, and procedures that relate to the Office. Attorney is expected to utilize all of the resources of the Law Department and will act as the liaison between Law and the OWP. 

• Investigative assistance:  Attorney will assist investigators in properly determining the scope, means, and documented result of investigation. Attorney will also advise on the format and contents of standard documentation and appropriate notice to complainee entities. Attorney is responsible for providing guidance to investigators at all phases of the investigation, from receipt of complaint through Final Determination Letter.  Attorney will also assist in the drafting, service, and enforcement of subpoenas as needed for investigations.  

• Post determination enforcement: Once a respondent employer fails to meet a deadline outlined in a Final Determination Letter, the case will be referred to the Attorney for enforcement through fines, suspension or revocation of licenses, and/or other enforcement actions. 

• Appeals: The Attorney will defend OWP determinations to the Board of Labor Standards (BOLS) and on appeal.  

• Affirmative Litigation: Attorney will also look for trends complaints and investigate opportunities for class-based affirmative enforcement.   For those matters already filed, Attorney will serve as a liaison between OWP and the Affirmative Unit throughout all stages of litigation.  

• Settlement negotiations:  At all stages, Attorney will provide advice on settlement negotiations related to a single complaint, and mostly importantly, with respect to settlement of a class involving equitable or injunctive relief.  Attorney must take care that the rights of the Solicitor to bring an action on behalf of the City class not be extinguished or abridged without proper escalation through the Law Department’s Affirmative Litigation Unit.  

Essential Functions 

In addition to the Position Summary, primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Representing the office before City boards, including the Tax Review Board and Board of Labor Standards   

• Enforcing departmental complaint determinations 

• Training investigators on complex legal principles  

• Conducting complex investigations as assigned by the Director of Worker Protection 

• Completing Special projects as assigned by the Director of Worker Protection 

• Communicating with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case 

• Conducting research and analysis of legal problems 

• Studying federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations 

• Interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and government agencies 

• Presenting facts in writing and verbally to clients or others and advocating on behalf of the clients 

• Preparing and file legal documents 

• Collecting fines  

• Levying bank accounts based on judgments 

• Performing administrative and management functions related to the practice of law 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of laws, legal 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 communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their 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 interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients 

• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

• Excellent research and writing skills.  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.  

• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office. 

• Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses. 

Qualifications

• This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately three (3) years’ experience enforcing judgements and awards, and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience presenting cases before Boards and/or courts. 

• 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.  

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $92,612 to $111,385 - Commensurate with education and experience

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• 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 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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.

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters:  

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Lydia Furst, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit (lydia.furst@phila.gov). 

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