Divisional Deputy City Solicitor - Appeals Unit

Job Description
Position Summary 
The Appeals Unit of the City of the City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced attorney to handle appeals in federal and state court, with opportunities for other appeals and special projects.  The Divisional will also assume significant administrative responsibility on the team, working closely with the Chief to ensure that work is assigned equitably across the team, to oversee team members’ professional growth, and to manage quarterly fiscal reporting.  The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of litigation experience, with at least three years each of trial and appellate experience preferred, and some experience managing in a litigative capacity.  Appeals arise from all of the Department’s trial units, and include, e.g., civil rights, employment, tort, tax, commercial and administrative law matters.  Outstanding academic credentials and outstanding research, writing and analytic skills required, and clerkships at the District and Appellate courts preferred.  The position also entails partnering with and providing advice to clients and trial attorneys on legal issues. 
Essential Functions 
The duties of the Divisional Deputy consist of mentoring attorneys in the Appeals Unit, supporting attorneys in the trial units, offering advice to client-agencies, and managing a caseload.  In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to: 
Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before judges and juries in both state and federal appellate courts. 
Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others 
Study federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations 
Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies 
Prepare and file legal briefs and motions before appellate courts and assist other attorneys with various types of briefs and motions. 
Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents 
Partner with the Legislative Unit as needed to advise on legal implications of ordinances and regulations 
Negotiate settlements 
Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law 
Be available to assist the Chief Deputy in all matters affecting the Appeals Unit 
Assume significant responsibility for the administrative obligations of the Unit, including onboarding and mentoring new attorneys, assuring timely and accurate delivery of fiscal reporting, and working with the Chief to ensure equitable workloads across the team 
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
Experience arguing complex motions and concepts before appellate courts 
Experience briefing complex issues in a cogent, comprehensive, and persuasive manner 
Experience managing attorneys and legal support staff 
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 use computer programs such as PowerPoint or MS Office. 
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.