With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

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.

Attorneys in the Labor & Employment Unit of the Law Department represent 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.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is not an entry-level litigation position. L& E lawyers must exhibit poise and confidence. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from Title VII, the ADA, FMLA, Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, and related employment law, as well as interest and grievance arbitration statutes and agreements. 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. It is a demanding but rewarding position.

SALARY - Commensurate with education and experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

•    Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before government agencies, and in legal matters
•    Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants 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 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
•    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.

•    The candidate must have at least 5 to 7 years of experience in labor and/or employment litigation
•    Law degree from an accredited law school and member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar
•    Resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of hire

Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Nicole S. Morris, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Labor & Employment Unit

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.

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 pchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website at: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations

The successful candidate must reside in the City of Philadelphia or establish primary residence in the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of employment.