Senior Attorney - Civil Rights Unit at Cityof Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA

Job description

Position Summary  The candidate will have extensive opportunities to handle jury trials.  Lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit must exhibit poise, confidence, and superior oral advocacy skills.  Additionally, lawyers in the Civil Rights Unit must demonstrate excellent legal research and writing capability.  The candidate will be knowledgeable about legal issues arising under civil rights statute 42 U.S.C. sec. 1983, municipal liability under Monell and its progeny, and the immunities and exceptions provided under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act.  This position is in a high-volume litigation practice which often involves complex settlement negotiations.  It is a demanding but rewarding position.      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.    Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and our employees, before judges and juries in both state and federal court.  Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs in tort litigation.  Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case  Conduct research and analysis of legal problems  Study federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations  Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals, and government agencies  Present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others and argue on behalf of the clients  Prepare and file legal documents, such as preliminary objections, answers and dispositive motions  Supervise legal assistants  Analyze probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents  Negotiate settlements  Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law    Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency polices and process   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 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.  This is a senior level position, with nine (9) plus years of legal experience practicing complex litigation in state and/or federal court, and first chair jury trial experience 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 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 employee