Assistant City Solicitor – Tax Litigation & Collections Unit – Use & Occupancy & Transfer Taxes 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 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 Tax Litigation and Collections 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 Litigation and Collections Unit, because of its expertise in the field of taxation and because of its experience in hiring tax collectors.

Position Summary

The Law Department’s Tax Litigation and Collections Unit is seeking to hire a licensed Pennsylvania attorney with 1-4 years of experience as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Use & Occupancy & Transfer Taxes Division. This is an entry level position. Applicants must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. The Use & Occupancy & Transfer Taxes Division focuses collection litigation efforts on the City’s local Realty Transfer Tax imposed on the transfer of property, and also the City’s unique Use & Occupancy Tax imposed on the commercial business use of property.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Advise and represent the City of Philadelphia and various City departments, agencies, offices, officials and employees before federal bankruptcy courts
• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges and others involved in the case
• Conduct research and analysis of legal issues
• Interpret bankruptcy laws and rulings for City departments, agencies, offices, officials and employees
• Prepare and file legal documents, such as plan objections, motions to dismiss, motions for relief from the automatic stay and responsive pleadings in bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings
• Participate in training and outreach efforts to raise the profile of the Division in the Law Department and among other City agencies, departments and offices
• Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
• Perform administrative, management and supervisory functions related to the practice of law

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to find what applicable laws and rules apply to a specific matter
• Ability to communicate information and ideas related to the practice of bankruptcy law in writing so others will understand
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment
• Excellent writing, case management, negotiating, and advocacy skills
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients

• Ability to efficiently handle multiple cases and projects
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine which pleadings, motions and other filings are relevant to the City of Philadelphia, and propose appropriate responsive pleadings and strategies
• Ability to support and supervise team members

• Assistant City Solicitor applicants must have one (1) year plus of relevant experience, and within a legal setting is preferred.
• 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.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Salary Range: $79,512 to $90,125 – 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 8 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 plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay 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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx