City of Philadelphia

Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit

Philadelphia, us Full-time On-site
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Job Description

Position Summary  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.    The Chief Deputy represents the City and its officials in significant jury trials and settlement negotiations in civil rights matters.  The Chief Deputy advises the Unit’s attorneys on trial and settlement strategy, and authorizes settlement of the Unit’s cases when in the best interest of the City. The Chief Deputy also serves as a liaison to outside counsel in high-exposure constitutional and Ninth Exception to the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act cases, facilitating discovery, motions practice, and settlement negotiation in those matters.  The Unit’s primary clients are the Police Department and Department of Prisons.  The Chief Deputy City Solicitor advises directly high-ranking officials in those departments, including the Police Commissioner and the Prisons Commissioner.  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.  Managing and supervising all attorneys and administrative personnel in the Unit.  Coaching employees to enhance their courtroom presentation of cases, as well as their relationship development with both clients and the bench.  Appearing regularly in federal and state court for settlement conferences before judges in cases where the City’s potential liability is substantial.  Sitting first or second chair in federal or state-court jury trials.  Overseeing the Unit’s Settlement Committee meetings, where case strategy and settlement authority for major and minor cases are discussed.  Ensuring that the Unit is providing 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 use of data, case studies, and after-action reviews.  Exploring ways to improve efficiency and processes through the use of technology.  Arranging mock juries to test liability in cases that are set for trial.  Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that values all forms of diversity.  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.  Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn;  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.  Ability to 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; 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit role at City of Philadelphia involve?

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit position at City of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, us is a full-time role. Position Summary&xa0; The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Civil Rights Unit is the head of the Unit.&xa0; This is a management level position that involves running the civil rights practice of one of the largest municipalities in the country.&xa0; 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.&xa0;&xa0;&xa0; The Chief Deputy represents the City and its officials in significant jury trials and settlement negotiations in civil rights matters.

What skills are required for Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit at City of Philadelphia?

Key skills for this role include: AWS.

What is the salary for Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit at City of Philadelphia?

The salary for this position is not publicly listed. You can negotiate during the interview process. Check Glassdoor or Levels.fyi for estimates.

Is the Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit position at City of Philadelphia remote or on-site?

This position is On-site. The role is based in Philadelphia, us.

How do I apply for Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit at City of Philadelphia?

You can apply for this position directly through the employer's careers page. Click the 'Apply Now' button on this page to be redirected to the original listing. Make sure your resume is ATS-optimized. Use SpotChange's free ATS test to check.

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About This Role

Chief Deputy City Solicitor - Civil Rights Unit at City of Philadelphia is a full-time other position in Philadelphia, us. Key skills include AWS. Education: Master's Degree preferred. Experience: 14+ years.

This role is classified as on-site and is suitable for executive-level professionals. Ghost Score 5/100 (Fresh) indicates this listing is very likely active and recently refreshed.

To apply, visit the official application page through the Apply Now button above. SpotChange Jobs provides AI-powered career tools including resume optimization, ATS testing, interview preparation, and salary negotiation assistance.