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
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 & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit. The Civil Rights Unit (“CRU”) represents the City of Philadelphia and its employees in federal and state court. The CRU handles all lawsuits alleging that the City and its employees violated an individual’s constitutional rights or engaged in an intentional tort. In addition to its litigation responsibilities, the Civil Rights Unit counsels City Departments regarding issues with potential civil rights implications. Working most with the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and at times the Department of Human Services, members of the CRU discuss policy changes and implications with those client departments as needed. Developing this considered advice can involve all members of the Unit, who participate in the after-action review process through which the team discusses, compiles, and shares advice gleaned from litigation with the client departments.
Position Summary:
The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator, licensed in Pennsylvania, to manage and defend cases filed in both state and federal court and arising out of allegations of constitutional harm. The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of civil litigation experience, with at least three years of experience defending civil rights cases from initiation through trial. Lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit must demonstrate excellent legal research and writing capability, and, because many of the Unit’s cases are resolved through trial, must exhibit poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills. The candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising under civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and the immunities and exceptions provided under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act. This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations. It is a demanding but rewarding position.
Essential Functions:
The duties of the Divisional Deputy consist of mentoring attorneys in the Civil Rights Unit, offering advice to client- agencies and managing a caseload. In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Salary Range: Up to $134,510 – Commensurate with education and experience
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
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 [email protected].
For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
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