The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Civil Rights Unit is the head of the Unit. This is a management level position that involves running the civil rights practice of one of the largest municipalities in the country. Responsibilities include managing and supervising a team of three (3) managing attorneys, and approximately twenty (20) trial attorneys and seven (7) non-attorney staff members as they represent the City in some of its highest-exposure litigation matters.
Responsibilities
Managing and supervising all attorneys and administrative personnel in the Unit; Coaching employees to enhance their courtroom presentation of cases and relationship development with clients and the bench; Appearing regularly in federal and state court for settlement conferences; Sitting first or second chair in federal or state-court jury trials; Overseeing the Unit's Settlement Committee meetings; Ensuring proactive legal counseling to the Police Department, Department of Prisons, and other City departments and agencies; Meeting regularly with the Police Commissioner and Prisons Commissioner; Exploring risk mitigation strategies through data, case studies, and after-action reviews; Exploring ways to improve efficiency and processes through technology; Arranging mock juries to test liability in cases set for trial; Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment; Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department; Developing and updating a rigorous training program for new attorneys; Working closely with clients to assure compliance with applicable federal and state law; Representing the City and its officials in significant jury trials and settlement negotiations in civil rights matters; Advising the Unit's attorneys on trial and settlement strategy and authorizing settlement of the Unit's cases when in the best interest of the City; Serving as liaison to outside counsel in high-exposure constitutional and Ninth Exception cases
Requirements
Minimum of 9 plus years of legal experience relevant to the subject matter and/or responsibilities the unit requires; Significant jury trial experience; Significant experience making complex factual and legal presentations to the court; Law degree from an ABA accredited law school; 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 in Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department; The successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
Benefits
Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA's Key Advantage program; 8 weeks of paid parental leave; Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents; Wellness program with eligibility for discounted medical plan; Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; Generous retirement savings options; Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program; Tuition discounts and scholarships of 10% to 40% at partner colleges and universities
Stany Zjednoczone · Philadelphia
