Company Description A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What we offer
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.Benefits - We care about your well-being. Agency Description
The City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.
The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.
We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.
The Law Department’s Tax Unit represents the City, as plaintiff, seeking to collect taxes and certain other amounts owed to the City, and represents the City as defendant in cases where taxpayers dispute their liabilities. The Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting all taxes due to the City and to the School District of Philadelphia, and for collecting water and sewer charges and certain other debts to the City. From time to time, the Law Department seeks professional services providers to assist it in its work, including third-party collection services. The Department of Revenue is selected to administer these contracts, in conjunction with the Law Department’s Tax Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors.
Job Description The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney with at least seven (7) plus years of litigation experience as a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor in the newly created Tax and Revenue Unit’s Use and Occupancy Tax Division. This is a high-level position. Prior litigation experience is required, and applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has outstanding academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. In addition, preference will be given to candidates with significant experience in the City of Philadelphia Municipal Court or managerial experience.
Essential Functions
The duties of a Divisional Deputy City Solicitor in the Use and Occupancy Tax Division primarily consist of managing litigators handling agency and state court actions from the pleading stage through arbitration or trial, which encompasses:
Managing a staff of 4 individuals; Providing legal advice on Use and Occupancy Tax issues; Administering the PILOT program Trying significant state court collection cases before the Municipal Court and Arbitration panels; Trying significant appeal cases before the Tax Review Board and resulting statutory appeals in state court; Researching and analyzing complex legal issues Managing the status of the Top 100 use and occupancy tax receivables; Mentoring junior attorneys in the Division; Providing training to staff; Meeting weekly with staff that report to the Divisional Deputy; Maintaining case management database and assigning cases; Interacting with Municipal Court staff to maintain the electronic filings and docket update; Generating monthly collection reports for use and occupancy tax collections; Ensuring that municipal court actions are reviewed and filed timely; Attending court conferences and hearings; and Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and process Significant experience in City of Philadelphia Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas. 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 opposing parties, agency board members, arbitrators, or judges and listen, answer questions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients Excellent research and writing skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns. Work-Life
The Law Department supports a robust work-life balance. Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days. The in-office requirement is 15 hours per week – essentially two days – or as otherwise needed, based on business needs, such as in-person hearings or client meetings. Staff can opt to come into the office each day if desired.
Qualifications This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) 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 eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months. Additional Information TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Salary Range: Up to $134,510 – Commensurate with education and experience
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
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 6 weeks of paid parental leave.We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical planEmployees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidaysGenerous retirement savings options are availablePay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too! 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.
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 [email protected].
For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx