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 a 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 Litigation Group includes the Affirmative and General Litigation Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor and Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Labor and Employment Unit of the Law Department represents the City of Philadelphia departments, agencies, boards and officials in litigation and counseling matters. Attorneys appear daily before the Civil Service Commission, AAA arbitrations, and agencies such as the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, the EEOC and the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and litigate in federal and state courts. This unit also handles claims of age, race and gender discrimination, and sexual harassment and provides counsel to all operating departments on labor and employment law matters. Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) also on a daily basis and provide training and refresher courses to Human Resource professionals and supervisors in all areas of labor and employment law. This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations.

Job Description

The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator who is a licensed PA attorney to manage employment law matters. The L&E Unit defends City agencies and employees in civil litigation in federal and state court and before local, state and federal agencies.  The Unit also represents City departments in discipline and contract grievance arbitrations and the City in contract negotiations with the City’s unions. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from the following: Title VII, Title I of the ADA, FMLA, FLSA, local Philadelphia ordinances, and related employment law, as well as Pennsylvania Labor law.  Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) / daily and provide training and refresher courses to Human Resource professionals and supervisors, and the City’s Employee Relations Unit in all areas of labor and employment law.  This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex (and at times high profile) settlement negotiations.  It is a demanding but rewarding position.

Essential Functions

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

• Legal and comparative research -- identifying applicable statutes, case law, etc.
• Legal analysis of issues.
• Writing of legal memorandum summarizing research, legal analysis, and providing conclusions if appropriate.
• Identifying appropriate witnesses and documents to present as evidence in hearings.
• Conduct/respond to discovery.
• Negotiation and advising on settlement of cases.
• Drafting of settlement agreements.
• Communicating with defendants, opposing counsel, and clients regarding cases.
• Advise clients on individual cases based on factual circumstances and the law. As well as provide advice and counsel to the client on larger issues independent of specific cases in consultation with the Divisional(s) and Chief.
• Work on special projects as assigned which may include leading special project committees which requires some supervision/management of assignments.
• Mentor/guide Assistant and Deputy City Solicitors.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of employment discrimination laws (including but not limited to the ones referenced above), 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 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.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients;

Qualifications

• This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately five (5) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
• 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 hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, writing sample 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.

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