Assistant City Solicitor - Tort Litigation Unit

Job Description

This is an entry level position for attorneys interested in tort litigation. 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 large caseload of arbitration cases and arbitration appeals and independently conduct discovery and investigation. The attorney will conduct depositions, engage experts, attend court conferences, draft appropriate pleadings, court memoranda, and dispositive motions.

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

• 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.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

One to three years of experience or a judicial clerkship is preferred. Candidates with a strong academic background will also be considered.

Additional Information

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Joshua Feissner, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Tort Litigation Unit ([emailprotected])

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 [emailprotected] For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx