Job 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 Law Department's Health and Adult Services Unit (HAS) represents the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), the Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), and the Office of Homeless Services (“OHS”), among others. The HAS is a collegial, fast-paced, high-volume litigation unit in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage their case files from start to finish. Through our unit's litigation efforts, we ensure the health and safety of individuals in mental health crisis, people receiving services for intellectual disability, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as protection from the spread of communicable diseases including protecting children from irreversible lead poisoning. We also provide legal guidance to the Medical Examiner's Office.

Job Description

This is an entry level position within the litigation division of the Health and Adult Services Unit. The attorney will be responsible for independently handling a large caseload of lead paint code violations and mental health civil commitment hearings. The attorney will also review and respond to subpoenas, interview witnesses, meet with clients, draft pleadings and motions, and conduct legal research.

Essential Functions

• Cultivate familiarity with Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976, Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955, Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, Confidentiality of HIV-related Information Act of 1990, The Philadelphia City Code, Philadelphia Home Rule Charter as well as various applicable regulations and caselaw.
• Flag, analyze and interpret changes in case law, statutes and regulations that impact the Unit’s practice.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and responses for filing.
• Autonomously litigate fast-paced high-volume cases from inception to resolution which will include researching cases, preparing witness testimony, orchestrating client meetings, developing case theories, and crafting closing arguments.
• Develop and nurture values of diversity equity and inclusion, ensuring equitable access to services, especially considering this Unit’s interaction with the City’s most vulnerable populations.
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity.
• Regularly communicate with and seek advice from supervisor, mentors and unit members.
• Participate in efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and processes which govern the clients the unit represents with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each client.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.    
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.   
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand.
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.  
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in 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 an entry level position but one (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred.
• 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.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $79,512 to $90,125 - 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:

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