Senior Attorney - Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit

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.  

The Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Code Enforcement Unit brings cases on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in a broad spectrum of enforcement matters against property owners and food handlers whose actions jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Code Enforcement Unit attorneys ensure that individuals and businesses meet all licensing, permit, and other regulatory requirements under the Philadelphia Code.  The Code Enforcement Unit also provides legal advice and counseling to City Departments (e.g., the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Public Health, City Planning Commission, and Historic Commission, etc.). 

Position Summary 

The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit is seeking a PA licensed attorney to fill an open position as a Senior Attorney. 

The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator to handle and manage cases arising out of Philadelphia Code violations. The Code and Public Nuisance Litigation Unit brings affirmative litigation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, statutory appeals before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review, Tax Review Board, and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment, along with any appeals to the Court of Common Pleas from those administrative agency decisions, litigates emergency injunctive actions arising under the Philadelphia Code in the Court of Common Pleas and before the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.    

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from the following: Title 4, Title 9, Title 10, and Title 19 of the Philadelphia Code, Local Agency Appeals, and constitutional issues arising under the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions.  Additionally, they will have state court litigation experience and be familiar with the PA Rules of Civil Procedure.  Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) / daily and provide training and refresher courses to City enforcement agencies.  This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which can involve complex (and at times high profile and politically sensitive) settlement negotiations.  It is a demanding but rewarding position. 

Essential Functions 

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities of a Senior Attorney include but are not limited to: 

• Legal and comparative research -- identifying applicable statutes, case law, etc. 

• Legal analysis of issues. 

• Writing of legal memorandum summarizing research, legal analysis, and providing conclusions if appropriate. Also, the review and editing of others written work product. 

• Review of cases referred to determine if appropriate for filing. 

• Drafting and filing of pleadings, motions and other court filings. 

• Identifying appropriate witnesses and documents to present as evidence in trials. 

• Witness preparation for hearings. 

• Conduct/respond to discovery. 

• Negotiation and settlement of cases with pro se defendants and opposing counsel.  

• Drafting of settlement agreements. 

• Communicating with defendants, opposing counsel, and clients regarding cases and Philadelphia Code provisions. 

• Advise clients on individual cases based on factual circumstances and the law. As well as provide advice and counsel to the client on larger issues independent of specific cases in consultation with the Divisional(s) and Chief. 

• Work on special projects as assigned which may include leading special project committees which requires some supervision/management of assignments. 

• Tracking and management of case schedule and deadlines, including but not limited to entry of notes following hearings in case management system. 

• Respond phone calls and emails from colleagues, clients, defendants and opposing counsel. 

• Other administrative tasks as necessary. 

• Attend meetings. 

• Presentations at Unit Meetings and/or CLEs. 

• Conducting interviews as part of a hiring panel/committee. 

• Mentor/guide Assistant and Deputy City Solicitors. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of Philadelphia Code (including but not limited to the sections referenced above), U.S. and Commonwealth constitutional law, Local Agency Law, administrative law, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process.  

• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter. 

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing 

• Strong organizational skills and self-direction and ability to prioritize, plan work, and manage projects independently. 

• Ability to prioritize and manage substantial workload; 

• Ability to negotiate effectively; 

• Strong work values; and  

• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.  

• This is a senior level position, with nine (9) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities desired.  

• 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. 

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

Salary Range: $118,325 - $143,237 Commensurate with education and experience

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Joanna Klein, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Litigation Division, Code Enforcement Unit ([email protected]).  

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 8 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 [email protected].

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