Assistant City Solicitor – Tax Litigation and Collections Unit – Water Litigation Division
$82k - $92k USD
Position Summary
The Law Department’s Tax Litigation and Collections Unit is seeking to hire a licensed Pennsylvania attorney with 1-3 years of litigation experience as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Water Litigation Division. This is an entry level position. Prior litigation experience is preferred, and applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. Strong writing and research skills are required. In addition, excellent organizational and time management skills are necessary. This is an excellent opportunity to gain litigation experience before the Tax Review Board and the Court of Common Pleas.
Essential Functions
The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.
Reviewing and filing court actions;
Trying state court collection cases before Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas;
Trying agency appeal cases before the Tax Review Board and resulting statutory appeals in state court;
Attending court conferences and hearings;
Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; and
Researching and analyzing complex legal issues; and
Negotiating with water customers and their representatives to collect outstanding water/sewer rents.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and 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, Board members, opposing parties, or judges, and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.
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 work with and/or train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.
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 with colleagues and clients;
Qualifications
Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have one (1) year plus of relevant experience, and 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 currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.
Work Location & Onsite Expectations
This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.
Who Thrives in This Role
This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Salary Range: $81,500 to $91,928 - Commensurate with education and experience
Any questions related to this position should be directed to Adriana Gonzalez, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, (adriana.gonzalez@phila.gov).
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*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
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