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 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 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.

Attorneys in the Appeals Unit of the Law Department represent the City in most appellate matters before state and federal courts. The Unit handles appeals that arise out of all of the Department’s trial units. Attorneys handle cases concerning, among other things, civil rights, employment, tort, tax, commercial and administrative law matters. The Unit also advises clients and trial units on various constitutional and administrative law issues. As a generalist civil appellate practice, the Unit handles work arising out of nearly all the City’s operating departments, providing a unique opportunity to see the City from multiple vantage points. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Appeals Unit of the City of the City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced attorney to handle appeals in federal and state court, with opportunities for other appeals and special projects. The Divisional will also assume significant administrative responsibility on the team, working closely with the Chief to ensure that work is assigned equitably across the team, to oversee team members’ professional growth, and to manage quarterly fiscal reporting. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of litigation experience, with at least three years each of trial and appellate experience preferred, and some experience managing in a litigative capacity. Appeals arise from all of the Department’s trial units, and include, e.g., civil rights, employment, tort, tax, commercial and administrative law matters. Outstanding academic credentials and outstanding research, writing and analytic skills required, and clerkships at the District and Appellate courts preferred. The position also entails partnering with and providing advice to clients and trial attorneys on legal issues. 

Essential Functions 

The duties of the Divisional Deputy consist of mentoring attorneys in the Appeals Unit, supporting attorneys in the trial units, offering advice to client-agencies, and managing a caseload. In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

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

• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others 

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

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

• Prepare and file legal briefs and motions before appellate courts and assist other attorneys with various types of briefs and motions. 

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

• Partner with the Legislative Unit as needed to advise on legal implications of ordinances and regulations 

• Negotiate settlements 

• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law 

• Be available to assist the Chief Deputy in all matters affecting the Appeals Unit 

• Assume significant responsibility for the administrative obligations of the Unit, including onboarding and mentoring new attorneys, assuring timely and accurate delivery of fiscal reporting, and working with the Chief to ensure equitable workloads across the team 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Experience arguing complex motions and concepts before appellate courts 

• Experience briefing complex issues in a cogent, comprehensive, and persuasive manner 

• Experience managing attorneys and legal support staff 

• Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn. 

• 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 analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment. 

• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and trial skills. 

• Ability to use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office. 

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations. 

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate. 

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in litigation, with at least three years of trial-level experience and three years of appellate experience preferred, and some experiencing managing attorneys and support staff. 

• Clerkship experience, particularly at the appellate level, significantly 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: Please submit a resume, writing sample, and cover letter. 

Salary range: $111,116 - $134,510 – 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

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters:

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Jane L Istvan, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Appeals Unit ([email protected]). 

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 [email protected].

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