Senior Attorney - Civil Rights Unit

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 Litigation Group includes the Affirmative & General Litigations Unit, Civil Rights Unit, Tort Litigation Unit, Code Enforcement Unit, Labor & Employment Unit and Appeals Unit.  The Civil Rights Unit represents the City of Philadelphia and its employees in federal and state court.  The CRU handles all lawsuits alleging that the City and its employees violated an individual’s constitutional rights or engaged in an intentional tort.  In addition to its litigation responsibilities, the Civil Rights Unit counsels City Departments regarding issues with potential civil rights implications.  Working mostly with the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and at times the Department of Human Services, members of the Civil Rights Unit discuss policy changes and implications with those client departments as needed.  Developing this considered advice can involve all members of the Unit, who participate in the after-action review process through which the team discusses, compiles, and shares advice gleaned from litigation with the client departments.    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 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