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.

The Major Trials Division of the Claims Unit is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging litigation Division in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage their case files from initial pleading through settlement or trial and manage their litigation calendars.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is not an entry-level litigation position. The attorney would defend the City of Philadelphia and its employees primarily in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against premises liability, motor vehicle, and property damage claims. The attorney would be responsible for managing a caseload of approximately 90 Major Jury cases. The attorney will be responsible for independently conducting intensive discovery and investigation of tort claims, conduct and defend depositions, attend court conferences, draft appropriate pleadings, court memoranda, discovery, and dispositive motions. Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act and prior experience taking and defending depositions and conducting arbitrations is necessary. The attorney will work with experts (e.g., engineers, medical doctors) and ultimately represent the City at trial, arbitration or ADR.

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.
  

The candidate must have at least 5 to 7 years of experience in personal injury litigation.

Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.

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.