Senior Attorney - Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit

Position Summary 

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

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced and licensed PA attorney to assist with training and mentoring attorneys in the Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit. 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 Unit supports various operational departments including, but not limited to, both divisions of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the Department of Public Health, the Police Department, the Office of Public Safety, and the Office of Clean & Green. 

Specifically, the Senior Attorney of Training and Administrative Support is responsible for working with the Code & Public Nuisance Litigation management team to assist with the new hire training program and ongoing professional development. This includes staying up to date on changes in code enforcement and other relevant law and policy, presenting and preparing training materials for both the Unit and the operational departments, and providing 1 on 1 support for attorneys.  After new hires complete their first month of formal new hire training and court observation, the Senior Attorney will supervise their preparation for hearings and accompany them as needed to ensure appropriate development as a trial attorney in this specialized practice area. 

The Senior Attorney will also be required to handle cases, research, draft client memoranda, edit briefs, and lead projects as needed. In addition, the Senior Attorney will assist the Chief by either acting as the Unit’s appeal coordinator or supporting that role, including but not limited to tracking statutory appeals, coordinating with the Appeals Unit on matters in the Commonwealth Court, and reviewing briefs. 

Prior litigation experience is required. The ideal candidate should have outstanding communication, interpersonal, analytical, and legal research skills. Subject matter expertise in code enforcement law and policy is preferred. 

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. 

• To provide training and support, must be well versed in the duties of an Assistant City Solicitor and Deputy City Solicitor in the Code & Public Nuisance Unit. These duties include but are not limited to: 1) litigating code enforcement matters in Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas, 2) litigating cases before administrative boards, 3) litigating emergency petitions in the Court of Common Pleas, 4) litigating statutory appeals in the Court of Common Pleas, 5) drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, agreements and memorandum, and 6) researching and analyzing complex legal issues. 

• Providing mentoring, training, and resources for attorneys to meet the needs of the clients and Department. 

• Acting as a stopgap where workforce or workflow responsibilities threaten and support newer attorneys to ensure consistent provision of timely and effective representation. 

• Advising unit management on matters that impact the law or might serve to improve efficiency. 

• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring  

• 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, and coach newer attorneys to provide effective advice. 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. 

• Attend meetings. 

• Presentations at Unit Meetings and/or CLEs. 

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

• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, rules of evidence, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and process which govern the clients that the unit represents. 

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.     

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

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

• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand. 

• Ability to train and mentor staff. 

• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions. 

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking 

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.   

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.    

• This is a senior level position, with a minimum of approximately nine (9) 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. 

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. 

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

Salary Range: $118,325 to $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 & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit (joanna.klein@phila.gov).  

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• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
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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.

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