Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia seeks an experienced litigator who is a licensed PA attorney to manage employment law matters. The L&E Unit defends City agencies and employees in civil litigation in federal and state court and before local, state and federal agencies.  The Unit also represents City departments in discipline and contract grievance arbitrations and the City in contract negotiations with the City’s unions. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising from the following: Title VII, Title I of the ADA, FMLA, FLSA, local Philadelphia ordinances, and related employment law, as well as Pennsylvania Labor law.  Counseling is a major aspect of the practice: candidates provide advice to clients (management) / daily and provide training and refresher courses to Human Resource professionals and supervisors, and the City’s Employee Relations Unit in all areas of labor and employment law.  This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex (and at times high profile) settlement negotiations.  It is a demanding but rewarding position.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities 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.
• Identifying appropriate witnesses and documents to present as evidence in hearings.
• Conduct/respond to discovery.
• Negotiation and advising on settlement of cases.
• Drafting of settlement agreements.
• Communicating with defendants, opposing counsel, and clients regarding cases.
• 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.
• Mentor/guide Assistant and Deputy City Solicitors.

Requirements

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of employment discrimination laws (including but not limited to the ones referenced above), 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 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.
• 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 (Education and Experience)

• This is an intermediate level position, with a minimum of approximately five (5) plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities of your unit required.
• 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.

Additional Information 

Did you know?

• 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 are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
• 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. 

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters: https://smrtr.io/vwwTh

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Michael Stackow, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Labor & Employment Unit (michael.stackow@phila.gov).

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

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 the Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx