Senior Attorney - Civil Rights Unit

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 serves as general counsel to the entire City government. 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 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the 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 tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, 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 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 mostly 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 Civil Rights Unit 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.   

Professional Responsibility & Public Service 

We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The candidate will have extensive opportunities to handle jury trials.  Lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit must exhibit poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills.  Additionally, lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit must demonstrate excellent legal research and writing capability.  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 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. 

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before judges and juries in both state and federal court. 

• Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs in tort litigation. 

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

• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems 

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

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

• Present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others and argue on behalf of the clients 

• Prepare and file legal documents, such as preliminary objections, answers and dispositive motions 

• Supervise legal assistants 

• Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents 

• Negotiate settlements 

• Perform 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 polices 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  

• 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. 

Qualifications

• This is a senior level position, with nine (9) plus years of legal experience practicing complex litigation in state and/or federal court, and first chair jury trial experience 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 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 decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment. 

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $121,875 to $147,534 - 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 8 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