Deputy City Solicitor - Tax Litigation and Collections Unit - Business Tax Division

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 serves as general counsel to the entire City government. 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 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the 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 a tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness.    The Tax Litigation and Collections Unit represents the City, as plaintiff, seeking to collect taxes and certain other debts 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 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 and outside counsel.    Professional Responsibility & Public Service  We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.  Position Summary  The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking to hire an attorney as a Deputy City Solicitor in the Tax Litigation and Collections Unit’s Business Tax Division. The ideal candidate has tax law experience, and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. In addition, preference will be given to candidates with significant experience in the City of Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.  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.  Mentoring junior attorneys in the Division.  Assisting the Divisional Deputy with training and case management;  Trying state court collection cases before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas:  Working with lawyers from the Appeals Unit on tax cases taken to the Pennsylvania appellate courts;  Trying agency appeal cases before the Tax Review Board and resulting statutory appeals in state court;  Attending court conferences and hearings;  Reviewing regulations and providing advice as requested to the Revenue Department;  Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; and  Researching and analyzing complex legal issues  Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules and process;  Significant experience in the City of Philadelphia 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 arbitrators, Board members, opposing parties, or judges, and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.  Ability to effectively communicate complex rules and procedures to the public and to businesses.   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 support and supervise a team of attorneys and professional staff.  Ability to train professional legal staff as well as non-legal staff on applicable legal requirements.  Excellent judgme