Senior Attorney - Civil Rights Unit

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Philadelphia Law Department is seeking a Senior Attorney for the Civil Rights Unit. This role represents the City and its employees in federal and state court, handling lawsuits alleging constitutional rights violations or intentional torts. The attorney will counsel City Departments on civil rights implications, participate in after-action reviews, and manage complex settlement negotiations within a high-volume litigation practice. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and its employees before judges and juries in state and federal court. - Present evidence to defend clients or impeach plaintiffs in tort litigation. - Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and other case participants. - Conduct research and analysis of legal problems, studying federal, state, and local laws. - Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and government agencies. - Present facts in writing and verbally, arguing on behalf of clients. - Prepare and file legal documents, including preliminary objections, answers, and dispositive motions. - Supervise legal assistants. - Analyze probable case outcomes using knowledge of legal precedents. - Negotiate settlements and perform administrative and management functions related to legal practice. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - College degree. - Law degree from an ABA accredited law school. - Nine (9) plus years of legal experience practicing complex litigation in state and/or federal court. - First chair jury trial experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must 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 for those not admitted within six months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department. - Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. - Fully onsite work requirement (5 days per week). SELECTION PROCESS Candidates will be evaluated based on their application materials demonstrating the required litigation experience, trial experience, and bar eligibility. 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. HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit a cover letter. 2. Submit a resume. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Philadelphia Law Department - Location: Philadelphia, PA - Job Type: Full-time - Work Environment: Fully onsite, 5 days per week - Benefits: Unlimited free public transportation (SEPTA Key Advantage), 8 weeks of paid parental leave, comprehensive health coverage, wellness program discounts, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, generous retirement savings options, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and tuition discounts or scholarships through partnered colleges and universities.